Washington State to Dedicate John Olerud Statue
The ceremony at Bailey-Brayton Field will honor the legendary slugger on October 23, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Baseball
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Washington State University will unveil a new statue of baseball icon John Olerud at Bailey-Brayton Field on October 23, 2026. Olerud, a former standout Cougar, will be the second student-athlete honored with a campus statue alongside Henry Rono.
Why it matters
The dedication serves to memorialize Olerud's historical impact on collegiate and professional baseball. It cements his legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes to ever compete for Washington State University.
In 1988, Olerud recorded 15 pitching wins and 20 home runs during his time at Washington State University. Over his professional tenure, he played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball and secured two World Series championships.
The players
John Olerud
He is a former collegiate and professional baseball standout who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball.
Henry Rono
He is a former Washington State University student-athlete who is already honored with a statue on campus.
The details
The tribute event begins with a social hour at 2:30 p.m., followed by the official dedication ceremony at 3:30 p.m. at Bailey-Brayton Field in Pullman. Olerud played for the university from 1987 through 1989 before embarking on his lengthy professional career.
Timeline
The social hour begins at 2:30 p.m. on October 23, 2026.
The dedication ceremony starts at 3:30 p.m. on October 23, 2026.
John Olerud played for Washington State University from 1987 through 1989.
Olerud was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2001.
Olerud was named Pac-12 Baseball Player of the Century in 2016.
Season Trajectory
The dedication of the John Olerud statue aligns with the university's broader efforts to celebrate the most significant figures in its sports history. It bridges the gap between historical legends like Henry Rono and the ongoing cultural legacy of the baseball program.
The ceremony at Bailey-Brayton Field will temporarily modify campus traffic and facility access around the athletic complex. Fans planning to attend should arrive early to accommodate the social hour and seating arrangements for the afternoon dedication.
The takeaway
Recognizing iconic student-athletes helps foster a lasting connection between a university's past successes and its current fan base. Attending such events provides an opportunity to appreciate the historical milestones that define the identity of the school's sports culture.
Further reading
For more on Cougar athletics, visit the Baseball section.
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Do you support honoring former collegiate athletes with permanent statues on your local university campus?
