The Tri-Lite

Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Matthew Artysh

"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss!" "STRUCK HIM OUT!" "The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of Baseball!" Those words have stuck with every Phillies fan since that memorable October night. Harry Kalas' words and excitement made every fan's dream come true when he announced we were the 2008 World Champions. Now, we all must prepare to say goodbye to the Voice of the Phillies.

Harry Kalas was born March 26, 1936. He was a member of the original broadcast team for the Houston Astros in 1965. Philadelphia received a true asset to the city when Kalas joined our broadcasting team in 1971. Harry was considered a part of the team for many Philadelphians. He had been the voice for the Phillies for generations and many cannot imagine a game without that distinctive voice. He was known for announcing countless memorable moments, such as the opening day at Veteran's stadium as well as that at Citizens Bank Park. Harry has been there for some of the most important events in Phillies history. During his career, he received many awards such as Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year 18 times, the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and numerous others. Harry Kalas made the words, "Outta here" a beloved phrase for all Phillies fans. Other then his many accomplishments in baseball broadcasting, Kalas has also narrated numerous films for the NFL.

Now, we must say good-bye to one of the most loved men in Phillies history. On April 13, 2009, Kalas collapsed in the broadcaster's booth while on the road for the Washington National's home opener. He was then taken to George Washington University Hospital in D.C and pronounced dead at 1:20 pm EST. He was 73 years of age. As of press time, cause of death is unknown. His death ripped through the city at enormous speeds. During his reign, he touched so many people's lives from all walks of lives. Some of his famous friends have already made statements to the press. "I am shocked and saddened by Harry Kalas' untimely and unexpected passing. He was a Philadelphia institution who made the game for countless fans," said PA. Governor Ed Rendell. The Phillies game for that day would be played as scheduled, as the organization stating that it is what Harry would have wanted. "The entire baseball world has suffered a great loss today. There are no words to express the sadness that the entire Phillies organization is feeling with the news about Harry's passing. Harry was the voice of the Phillies, but he was also our heart and soul. He loved our game and called it like none other." said Phillies President and CEO, David Montgomery.

The fans have already been mourning since the news broke and many cannot grasp the fact that we will not hear that voice for games to come. Harry shared in the emotions that one goes through during a season and all of his fans loved to hear his somewhat off-key rendition of High Hopes. Some might say we gave him the best parting gift one can get, the opportunity to announce that we were the World Champions of Baseball. The Holy Family University family shares its deepest sympathies with the Kalas family, the Philadelphia Phillies organization and all the fans. God must have needed announcer in heaven. Harry Kalas, 1936-2009, you will be truly missed.

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