Harry Kalas, the Hall of Fame broadcaster of the Philadelphia Phillies, collapsed early afternoon today in Washington while preparing in the broadcast booth for the 3pm Phillies-Nationals game. He died at age 73. The Philadelphia region was shocked to learn the news of his passing before the game. The game still went on as planned with the Phillies winning 9-8. Though it was a win, very little attention was given to the game as broadcasters' and fans' thoughts were about Harry. The Phillies canceled their Tuesday meeting with President Barrack Obama to mourn Kalas.

Wow, I knew at 2pm when on the AM I heard Merrill Reese, the broadcaster of the EAGLES talk about someone and then mentioned how this person did some NFL games on the side. I then knew it was Harry Kalas. Harry was the Voice of the Philadelphia Phillies. He narrated for NFL Films, taking over for the also legendary John Facenda, and did numerous commercials for Campbell's Chunky Soup, the NFL Network, sports video games so he was known nationwide.

All the dramatic moments I've experienced with the Phillies throughout my lifetime were covered by Harry Kalas. He is as much part of the comforting fabric of Philadelphia as Tastykake, the Philly soft pretzel, the Liberty Bell are. I was lucky to remember him and Richie Ashburn broadcast. I truly treasured them. Harry Kalas was lucky to finally be able to call the Phillies' win of the World Series last October. "The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of Baseball..." He wasn't able to call the 1980 World Series because of broadcasting rules then. Due to protest of mostly Phillies fans those rules changed afterwards. He was able to call 7 NL Championship Series and all 500 of Mike Schmidt's homeruns. I'm really proud of the fact he really liked the 1993 Phillies that went to the World Series, that rough group. That team cemented my interest and following of the Philadelphia Phillies.


RIP my friend. He's like a family member that my fellow Phillies fans shared. I think I can truly separate my lingering thoughts of last season's Championship win and step forward to think about this new season of baseball for the Phils because of this occasion.

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Thrillnetwork Moderator - Sophomore Original sn: CHILLERLC1
The 2010 TN Coaster Draft: Now Underway Round Three
My Draft 10 in '10: El Toro, Afterburn, Phoenix

Harry will have a public viewing at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday from 8am to 12:45PM when a memorial ceremony will take place. From what I understand he will be placed for the viewing at home plate. Babe Ruth and Jack Buck were the only other men in MLB to have this honor.

A HK billboard in left field debuted today for the Padres-Phils game. Harry's Hall of Fame signature appears on both base sides.

I can't go tomorrow because I have to sing at a funeral. Weird coincidence.

__________________
Thrillnetwork Moderator - Sophomore Original sn: CHILLERLC1
The 2010 TN Coaster Draft: Now Underway Round Three
My Draft 10 in '10: El Toro, Afterburn, Phoenix