Harry Kalas, Voice of Phillies for Decades, Passes Away
|
|
|
|
|
Sports announcer Harry Kalas, the pre-eminent voice of the Philadelphia Phillies over nearly 39 years, collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack in the press box in Washington D.C. at age 73, a couple of hours before the Phils played the Washington Nationals’ in the latter’s home opener.
Wikipedia carries a comprehensive but changing page about Kalas from his early years with the Houston Astro’s (formerly the Colt 45s) through his career with the Phils which began in 1971.
Kalas ushered in the opening of the then new Veterans Stadium in 1971 and later teamed with former great Phils centerfielder Richie Ashburn in the announcing booth. Together, they called many of the most treasured Phillies moments.
Kalas was at the broadcasting helm when the Phils acquired “Lefty” Steve Carlton in 1972 in trade for the talented Rick Wise and called the games of “Lefty’s” memorable 27-10 inaugural season with the Phils.
Kalas was famous for signature calls like;
- “Swing…and a long drive, watch that baby, outta here! Home run
“
Or variations like;
- “Swing…and a long drive, can it be? Can it be, outta here!”
- “Swing…and a long drive, its gotta chance! Its gotta chance, outta here!”
- “Swing… that ball is well-struck! Well-struck, watch that baby, outta here!”
or after an opponent struck out on a nasty, Carlton, Curt Schilling or Cole Hamels pitch;
- “Swing and a miss on a breaking ball. Heeee struck ‘em out!”
AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrick reports on Kalas’ passing for Yahoo sports;
Kalas had surgery earlier this year for an undisclosed ailment that the team characterized as minor. He looked somewhat drawn last week as the Phillies opened the season at home.
Kalas is survived by his wife and three sons, including one—Todd—who is a broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays. Funeral arrangements were pending.
His family issued a statement saying they were “overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection from all of Harry’s fans and friends across America. Especially the Phillies fans whom he loved as much as the game of baseball itself.”
“He found the good in everybody, especially the players,” [former pitcher Larry] Andersen said, tears streaming down his face. “He loved the players. He loved being around them.”
“We lost our voice today,” Phillies president David Montgomery said. “He has loved our game and made just a tremendous contribution to our sport and certainly to our organization.”
Kalas was on hand for all of the greatest Phillies moments over the past 39 years; Carlton’s Multiple Cy Young awards, NL East Division titles in 1976, 77, 78, Mike Schmidt’s Hall of Fame Career — including some wild games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field with the wind blowing out, the Phillies’ first World Championship in 1980, their 1983 pennant, their 1993 pennant, Ryan Howard’s 58 homers in 2006, the NL East Division in 2007, the World Championship in 2008 and more.
In game 5 of the 2008 World Series, Kalas made this final call which signified a Phillies World Series Championship;
“One strike away; nothing-and-two, the count to Hinske. Fans on the their feet; rally towels are being waved. Brad Lidge stretches. The 0-2 pitch — swing and a miss, struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! Brad Lidge does it again, and stays perfect for the 2008 season! 48-for-48 in save opportunities, and watch the city celebrate! Don’t let the 48-hour wait diminish the euphoria of this moment, and the celebration. And it has been 28 years since the Phillies have enjoyed a World Championship…”
And, this season in his final broadcast in the Phillies win over the Colorado Rockies on April 12;
“Bouncing ball to Chase Utley, this should be the game, Chase throws him out and that will be it as the Phil’s win 2 out of 3 here at Coors Field, coming back to take this one by a score of 7 to 5.”
Harry Kalas, The voice of the Phillies, passes away at 73.
del.icio.us |
digg |
Furl |
Reddit |
YahooMyWeb |