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Wrigley Field Replica For Youth Being Built In Maine

WATERVILLE, Maine (AP) — A retired Major League Baseball pitcher is embracing a Wrigley Field replica that's being constructed in Maine.

Lee Smith was on hand Wednesday for a groundbreaking ceremony held by the Alfond Youth Center in Waterville for the refurbished Purnell Field. The former player considered one of the greatest relief pitchers of all time says the field reminds him of home.

Fran Purnell Wrigley Field will be a youth baseball-sized replica of Wrigley Field, which is home to the Chicago Cubs, when it's completed by spring of next year. It will join Oakland's Harold Alfond Fenway Park as only two turf fields licensed by Major League Baseball in the country.

It will continue to carry the name of Fran Purnell, who coached youth baseball in Waterville for more than 45 years.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

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