Harry Kalas 1936-2009

Monday, the world of sports broadcasting lost one of its greatest voices. Longtime Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away at the age of 73. He called Phillies games since 1971. But even if you weren't from Philadelphia, you knew his great, rich voice. He did voiceover work for the sports themed Chunky Soup commercials. He also was the voice of NFL Films. He worked right up until the end.

Kalas was in Washington for Monday's game between the Phillies and Nationals. Before the game at around 12:30 in the afternoon, he was found passed out in the broadcast booth. He was immediately rushed to a hospital where he later died. Kalas was as beloved in Philadelphia as Bob Murphy was here in New York. He worked with Phillie great Richie Ashburn until Ashburn's death in 1997. MLB commissioner Bud Selig said "Major League Baseball has lost one of the great voices of our generation, baseball announcers have a special bond with their audience, and Harry represented the best of baseball not only to the fans of the Phillies, but to fans everywhere."

I grew up in New York so I didn't hear Phillies games on a daily basis. But I did hear him on football highlight videos. His deep bass voice was a perfect fit when trying to set an intense tone for a grid-iron battle. He had a very deliberate speech pattern which definitely built up the suspense and excitement of an event. In my mind's ear, I can hear his trademark call... "Its outta here!"

I met Harry Kalas at Shea Stadium about 5 or 6 years ago. He was nothing but a gracious gentleman. I think its quite appropriate that the last full season he broadcasted, his beloved Phillies won the World Series. Our own Lolita Lopez was at the opening of Citi Field and she got some of Kalas' baseball colleagues to share their memories about the popular announcer. He will be missed.