Let me start by stating that I absolutely think the Phillies should honor Harry Kalas in as many ways as possible. We know about the restaurant at Citizens Bank Park, we're all aware that the team renamed their television broadcast booth after Harry, and of course it was a big deal when the team honored Harry with a spot on their Wall of Fame (unfortunately with a typographical error). However, I am still not sure I am in love with the current methods of funding this project.
The website HarryKalasStatue.com and the non-profit group Dear Harry Inc. have set out to collect a total of $80,000 in order to complete a 7 feet tall statue, which is slated to be created by local sculptor Lawrence Nolan. The goal, in the end, is for Dear Harry Inc. to present the statue as a gift to the Phillies. Dear Harry Inc. currently stands at roughly $15,000 raised. Check out the web site for full details.
My issue is not with the idea or the group trying to make it happen. It's that the team doesn't seem to be behind this. From what I can tell, this cause is being driven by phans because there was no action taken by the Phillies.
Honestly, based on the error in the text on the Kalas Wall of Fame plaque and the Phillies' lack of urgency to fix that matter, it should surprise no one that the team has ignored the statue subject. If there was enough public outcry to insist on Harry's plaque being fixed and if phans slammed the team with a collective uproar wondering why a non-profit group feels the statue is essential while the Phillies do not, then perhaps the National League champions would act, in order to save face.
I would prefer not to assert what people should do with their money, but of all the millionaires who've claimed to love Harry Kalas, what would a $65,000 collective donation mean to those people? Just some thoughts here, but how much of full public image reversal in the city of Philadelphia could despised figures like Scott Rolen and Adam Eaton make by donating 65 grand to Dear Harry Inc.? How about Elvis Burrell's daddy...might he make a good candidate to display his love for the man and his city with a donation? Sure, it's cool that Jimmy Rollins wanted to wear Harry's sport jacket and shoes in a parade down Broad St. this year, but is there another way he could pay tribute to the voice of the Phillies? Like I said, those were simply some ideas, but I remain firm in my opinion that it's rather strange that phans are joining forces to make this happen while the Phillies organization, their players and all their alumni have nothing to do with it.
Click the link below to find out how to contribute to the cause.
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The website HarryKalasStatue.com and the non-profit group Dear Harry Inc. have set out to collect a total of $80,000 in order to complete a 7 feet tall statue, which is slated to be created by local sculptor Lawrence Nolan. The goal, in the end, is for Dear Harry Inc. to present the statue as a gift to the Phillies. Dear Harry Inc. currently stands at roughly $15,000 raised. Check out the web site for full details.
My issue is not with the idea or the group trying to make it happen. It's that the team doesn't seem to be behind this. From what I can tell, this cause is being driven by phans because there was no action taken by the Phillies.
Honestly, based on the error in the text on the Kalas Wall of Fame plaque and the Phillies' lack of urgency to fix that matter, it should surprise no one that the team has ignored the statue subject. If there was enough public outcry to insist on Harry's plaque being fixed and if phans slammed the team with a collective uproar wondering why a non-profit group feels the statue is essential while the Phillies do not, then perhaps the National League champions would act, in order to save face.
I would prefer not to assert what people should do with their money, but of all the millionaires who've claimed to love Harry Kalas, what would a $65,000 collective donation mean to those people? Just some thoughts here, but how much of full public image reversal in the city of Philadelphia could despised figures like Scott Rolen and Adam Eaton make by donating 65 grand to Dear Harry Inc.? How about Elvis Burrell's daddy...might he make a good candidate to display his love for the man and his city with a donation? Sure, it's cool that Jimmy Rollins wanted to wear Harry's sport jacket and shoes in a parade down Broad St. this year, but is there another way he could pay tribute to the voice of the Phillies? Like I said, those were simply some ideas, but I remain firm in my opinion that it's rather strange that phans are joining forces to make this happen while the Phillies organization, their players and all their alumni have nothing to do with it.
Click the link below to find out how to contribute to the cause.
------------------
Hey, follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE for stats, facts, trivia and more!
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