Sculptures of Springfield: James Naismith, the Inventor of Basketball

Interesting Places I've Photographed

James Naismith Sit-By-Me Statue

Springfield, MA

Topic: Sculptures of Springfield

GPS: N42° 06.135; W072° 33.424

Quick Description: 

The sit-by-me statue of James Naismith, the Inventor of Basketball,  is located on the campus of Springfield College in Springfield, MA

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Long Description:

The game of basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith, an instructor at the YMCA Training School, now Springfield College. When the college made renovations to the campus which includes a new campus union (student center). Outside this building there is a sit-by-me bench with a life-size sculpture of James Naismith, the inventor of Basketball.

Dr. Naismith is sitting on a rectangular polished granite bench. He is wearing glasses and dressed in a three piece suit. In his right hand he is holding a volleyball, the original type of ball that was used, against his thigh. His legs are straddling a peach basket, which is the the original target for the game. 

The statue is located in front of the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union (Student Center). The bronze sculpture was created by Elden C. Tefft and dedicated on April 18, 2010.