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Phillies Consider Accepting Fan-Funded Harry Kalas Statue

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Phillies executives have taken a look at the fan-funded statue of Harry Kalas.  Now, they're deciding whether to accept it. 

Phillies operations chief Michael Stiles and other execs last week paid a visit to the Chester foundry where the finished bronze statue of Harry Kalas was assembled. The Phils did not commission the statue -- fans chipped-in to pay for the statue with the aim of donating it to the team.  Sculptor Larry Nowlan says he believes the Phillies brass liked their first look.

"When we unveiled the piece, my first sense was that there was a sign of relief," Nowlan says. "And that relief coming from, I guess, that it wasn't horrible.  And that they might not have to deal with turning it away."

The execs this week are expected to present their findings to team president David Montgomery.  Phillies spokeswoman Bonnie Clark said in an email it's premature to comment on whether the team will officially accept the statue. 

Nowlan says so far fans have contributed about $55,000 of the $80,000 cost.

Fans can donate to the statue fund here:  http://www.harrykalasstatue.com/

Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio

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