Kalas rising, but where will he go?

With the Phillies trying again at a championship, the memory of legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas is often on the minds of fans.

The permanent memorial is not too far behind, either.

A statue project to honor Kalas — started a year ago by a group of fans and created by a Vermont sculptor — is nearing completion at a Chester foundry. The piece could be finished shortly after the World Series, although the Phillies organization has not said whether they will install it. Dear Harry Inc., the group behind the project, has raised nearly $50,000 through donations and fundraisers. Organizers hope to discuss the sculpture with the baseball team after its completion, which the sculptor said is expected next month.

“We didn’t do it to get any business,” said Todd Palmer, a marketing professional who’s worked to promote the project. “We just did it because we love Harry and the Phillies.”

Sculptor Lawrence Nowlan, who grew up in Merion as a Phillies fan, has said working on the piece was “a dream come true.” If given the green light from the Phillies, he envisions a big unveiling.

“It would be wonderful to put this on a cart in the parade [if the Phillies win the championship], but I don’t want to get ahead of myself,” Nowlan said.