June 24th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

Fundraising for a statue of Hall of Fame pitcher Lefty Grove in his western Maryland hometown is in the final innings. The Cumberland Times-News  reported Thursday that a $75,000 check from the state comptroller's office has put organizers in Lonaconing within striking distance of their goal. Bucky Schriver says the group has banked $52,000 in private donations and needs to raise another $23,000 to match the state grant. Sculptor Susan Luery, a Baltimore native, says she'll bring a 22-inch model of the bronze sculpture to Lonaconing this summer. Schriver says he's hoping for a dedication ceremony by the summer of 2018. The General Assembly approved state funding earlier this year for the project in the town of 1,200 about 150 miles west of Baltimore.