Paul Konerko

Paul Konerko – Commissioned Sports Bronze Statue

On Saturday, September 27th, 2014, Sculptor Lou Cella from The Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany attended “Paul Konerko Day” at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago along with other Studio members.

The Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt & Amrany and Lou Cella were proud to unveil their latest work; a life-size bronze statue of Paul Konerko, to commemorate the player’s last weekend as an official member of the Chicago White Sox. Konerko is retiring at the end of the 2014 season, with this past weekend’s games against the Kansas City Royals being his last.

The Statue is permanently installed at U.S. Cellular Field, on the left-field concourse, right next to the Frank Thomas statue, another masterful work completed by the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany in 2011.

In his 18 years in Major League Baseball, Paul Konerko has been the face of the Chicago White Sox. He is also considered one of the most respected players in the game of baseball. In his career, he hit an impressive 432 home runs, totaling more than anyone in franchise history apart from Hall of Famer Frank Thomas.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to head this project and celebrate the career of such a legendary player,” said Lou Cella. “His incredible accomplishments and contributions to baseball will live on in perpetuity with the installment of this piece.”

Chicago White Sox fans have seen Konerko play 2,263 games, more than anyone in franchise history except for Hall of Famer Luke Appling. Konerko made six All-Star teams at first base and won the ALCS MVP award in 2005. That October, he also hit a legendary grand slam in Game 2 of the World Series that helped the White Sox take their first championship in 88 years.

The 38-year-old Konerko decided last year that he would retire at the end of this season. “I had people coming up to me, thanking me, when I’m thinking, ‘I got to play a kids’ game– a children’s game, until I was 38 years old,’” Konerko said. “I’ve never had a real job. They’re thanking me for that? I don’t understand that. It seems like I’m the lucky one.”

Artist

Lou Cella

Client

Chicago White Sox

Location

U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, IL

Material

Bronze

Size

Lifesize

Date

2014