Harry the K a Philly legend
PHILADELPHIA -- So much was made during the ALCS about the Angels' quest for a title in honor of late pitcher Nick Adenhart, killed in April by a drunk driver. The Phillies have a similar quest going in honor of beloved late broadcaster Harry Kalas, who collapsed and died of a heart attack in the press box April 13 in Washington. He was 73.
The players have a black "HK" patch on their jerseys. There's a tribute to Kalas on the outfield fence -- and the players jogged all the way out there and poured champagne on the sign after they clinched the NL East title. Videos play on the scoreboard with Kalas' famous calls, including Brad Lidge's Series-clinching strikeout last year.
Kalas' trademark "It's Outta Here!" bellows through the stadium after home runs. The folksy version of "High Hopes" that he sang during last year's Series championship celebration plays on the board after each Phillies win. Kalas' trademark powder blue blazer and white loafers hang in the team's dugout during games.
Kalas' spirit is everywhere on the press box level of Citizens Bank Park. There is glass display from his career (right), including artifacts such as his headphones, scorecard and media guides from his last game. The television booth has been named after him and there's a framed, signed shirt honoring him for winning the 2002 Ford Frick Award for broadcast excellence.
Kalas had that great baritone so familiar nationally as the longtime voice of NFL Films. He's widely known in Philly for greeting any fan who said hello to him. There's stories of folks asking him to record messages on answering machines and ring tones on their cell phone.
During last year's World Series, I hopped on the elevator here to go to the clubhouse with about five other people. One of them was Kalas. He looked at all of our media badges to see where we were from and greeted us all. Even asked me what in the world was going on with the Bills (imagine what he'd say this year). It was pretty cool at the time to bumpt into one of the game's true legends behind the microphone. When I heard he had passed away, I reflected on that brief chance meeting. I'll always remember it.
---Mike Harrington
