The baseball world lost a legend when Harry Kalas passed away earlier today.
I never thought that yesterday’s game against the Rockies would be the last game I ever heard Harry call.
The word spread quickly through Twitter, where I found out about it. Many people were talking about it. They’re still talking about it here.
There have been many memories of Harry Kalas for me. Even before I got into baseball as a youngster, I would hear him doing commentary on NFL Films productions. Even as a young kid, I loved his voice. He just had that air about him.
The sound of Harry’s voice truly meant that summer had arrived. I would always listen to Harry announce the Phillies games when I was down the shore. It really is a Philadelphia tradition to listen to Kalas while being down the shore. I don’t think another Phillies announcer could ever capture the amount of respect that Harry got from fans in Philadelphia, and in all of baseball.
My more recent memory of Harry is obviously the World Series call. I turned off that POS Joe Buck and listened to Kalas call the game on the radio. There was no way in hell that I was letting Buck ruin what was going to be one of the most important moments in my life. Harry nailed it and that all will be in my mind forever.
After not being able to call the Phillies 1980 World Series championship because of a ludicrous rule banning local broadcasters, Harry Kalas finally got to call the game in which his Phillies won a title. It was an incredible moment for any Phillies fan.
One of my fellow writers here, Mike Santa Barbara, submits this:
An overwhelming memory I can’t get out of my mind, I’d like to share. Having my grandfather pick me up from school when I was probably eight or nine during Spring. As I was walking to my grandfathers truck, I could hear Harrys voice calling Spring training games and that was one of my first baseball memories, just as much as the players, Harry was baseball to me. He’s someone I’ll never forget he was instrumental in the growth of love for the game of baseball for me.
I think Mike nailed it there. Harry was so much more than just an announcer. He was Phillies baseball. More than any other player, Kalas epitomized the Phillies. I’ve had a few favorite Phillies over the years, but Harry will always be what I connect with the Phillies. After the ring ceremony last week, Harry threw out the first pitch and got the loudest ovation, save Pat the Bat, than anyone else.
Harry was more than just an announcer to me. He was the Phillies. There will be players coming through Philadelphia for a long time, but there will never be another Harry Kalas.
I can honestly say that with 100% confidence. Harry was one of a kind.
I don’t know what else to write at this time. There just aren’t words for how much the loss of Harry Kalas will mean to Philadelphia.
Feel free to share your stories of Harry. I’ll put some videos of Harry after the jump.
R.I.P Harry Kalas. You were a legend who didn’t even act like it. Truly a regular guy with an extraordinary job. I’ll miss you.
-KK
Great Calls of Harry Kalas
Harry singing High Hopes after the Phillies won the World Series:
“The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of Baseball!!”
ESPN’s Jayson Stark talks about Harry on SportsCenter:
Jayson Stark is one of the few national media members who truly understands how Philadelphia fans are. His latest book, Worth the Wait, is a great read.
Harry on his memories of the Vet, from WHYY’s “Hometown Legends”
Any other videos, be sure to share.
Harry Kalas will never be forgotten in Philadelphia.
(Banner image borrowed from ESPN.com)
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