Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Itchy Jones Statue to Be Unveiled at Noon Saturday, Oct. 17
10/07/2026 | 9:01:00 | Baseball, General
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois baseball will unveil the statue of legendary coach Richard "Itchy" Jones Saturday, Oct. 17. The unveiling will take place at noon at Itchy Jones Stadium as part of Southern Illinois' homecoming weekend, when the university will also honor its 2026 Hall of Fame class Friday, Oct. 16.
Mike Reis will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event, while Dan Hartleb, George Lundeen, Susan Jones, Harold Bardo and Matt Kupec will be featured speakers.
Richard "Itchy" Jones passed away Feb. 17, 2025, just two days after his 87th birthday, following a two-year battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. A Herrin native, Jones devoted more than four decades to the game of baseball and the players he coached. He led SIU baseball from 1970 to 1990, winning 738 games, the most in school history. Under his leadership, the Salukis made appearances in 10 NCAA tournaments and three College World Series appearances. He later spent 15 seasons at the University of Illinois, capturing Big Ten titles and helping dozens of athletes reach the professional level.
The event is free and open to the public.
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