WAUPUN — The proposed location for a new softball-themed sculpture was approved by the Waupun City Council last week, now officially to be placed at Jerry Medema Softball Complex.
Create Waupun brought the proposal to the City for the bronze sculpture “Rising Star” by the Randolph Rose Collection last month, citing an historical connection to the community as a worthy addition to the collection of outdoor public art.
The item was discussed at the Common Council meeting held December 9, 2025.
A copy of the proposal was included in the meeting agenda packet, which outlined the request and its reasoning.
“The Rising Star sculpture from the Randolph Rose Collection will be permanently displayed in Waupun as a tribute to Magdalen ‘Mamie’ Redman, a hometown hero whose legacy continues to inspire generations,” Create Waupun president Jeni Maly wrote in the proposal. “Born in Waupun, Wisconsin, Mamie was a trailblazing athlete who played as a catcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1948 to 1954. Her career, marked by grit, humility, and excellence, helped pave the way for women in professional sports.”
“The Rising Star sculpture symbolizes Mamie’s enduring impact, representing not only her own rise in the world of baseball but also the countless young athletes, especially girls, who dare to dream beyond the boundaries of expectation,” she wrote. “This dedication honors her contributions both on the field and in education, and celebrates Waupun’s rich connection to American sports history.”
Due to its connection to softball, the obvious location was chosen as Jerry Medema Softball Complex. Create Waupun considered a few locations and discussed options with the Board of Public Works, but the final decision was to place it along Lincoln Avenue, about mid field on Field #1. This was due to that spot being a high traffic area with road visibility, and being between two benches and trees.
It was noted on the agenda item that the proposed location is not on City-owned land, being that the Medema Fields are on the same parcel as Meadow View Primary (formerly Jefferson Elementary School). The City leases the land from the Waupun Area School District, and City leadership have discussed the proposal with District Superintendant Steve Hill. No concerns were presented about the proposed location, but City Administrator Kathy Schlieve recommended that the motion to approve should contain a caveat that the City reserves the right to relocate the sculpture, if needed.
Alderman Dan Siebers asked Director of Public Works Jeff Daane if the proposal was an acceptable location for the sculpture. Daane said he had taken a look at the proposed locations and thought it was good, though they would need to extend a section of sidewalk and add a concrete pad around the sculpture.
Alderman Jason Westphal asked if it was going on the first base line, which Daane confirmed it would be.
Motion Alderman Mike Matoushek, second Alderwoman Bobbi Jo Kunz to approve permanent placement of Rising Star Sculpture with the understanding that the City reserves the right to relocate the sculpture if needed at any point in time. Motion carried 5-0 on roll call.
Jeni Maly was in attendance at the meeting, but was not called on for any questions.
The bronze sculpture is about 51” tall, 17” wide, and 17” long and depicts a young girl leaning on a bat with a softball in her hand.
The production company, Randolph Rose Collection, has produced fine bronze statuary for both private and public collections since 1972. They sell both custom and pre-produced pieces of countless subjects in sturdy bronze.
The sculpture was purchased by the Waupun Fine Arts Committee in partnership with Create Waupun. It is expected to take about four months to be delivered after ordering, and can be installed immediately upon arrival. An educational panel is also planned at a future date.
Correction, 12/16/25 8:03AM: A previous version of this article indicated that the sculpture was purchased by Create Waupun through a Waupun Fine Arts Committee grant. The sculpture was fully funded and purchased by the Waupun Fine Arts Committee, in partnership with Create Waupun.
