How do you say goodbye to a legend? How can one possibly honor someone who has done so much for the people of a city and the fans of one team? The only way is to let that man's legend speak for itself and to remember every moment his unmistakable voice spoke to us.Yesterday, at the age of 73, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Harry Kalas, whose voice served as the backdrop for millions of lives, collapsed in the broadcast booth at Nationals Park as he was preparing for a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals ... he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at 1:20 p.m. at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Baseball fans all across the country can identify with the sadness, shock and emptiness left by the passing of Kalas when remembering the loss of longtime Atlanta Braves announcer "Skip" Caray (1939-2008), and Skip's father and Chicago Cubs icon Harry Caray (1914-1998) ... their passing seemed to come all too soon.
After learning of his death, it's hard to fathom the immense void that was left in the hearts of not only Philadelphia Phillies' fans, but also in that of the entire world of baseball. We all shed a tear for someone we all knew, but might not have met. Every spring and summer for the last 38 years, Phillies fans welcomed him into their homes and lives. He became a part of their cookouts, celebrations, holidays, and summers. In Philadelphia, the name Harry Kalas is synonymous with Phillies baseball. "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." Anytime someone turned on a TV or radio to follow the Phillies, Harry was there ... yesterday, for the first time since 1971, our great old friend couldn't be there, because he was assigned to a higher broadcast ... yes, there was a baseball game yesterday ... and yes, the Phillies did win, but it was not the same ... it will never be the same.
The Phillies may have lost their voice, but the area and the sport lost a great man and a great ambassador. While he is remembered as a broadcaster, Harry has tirelessly and unselfishly contributed much to charities and to the people of the area. From singing at assisted living homes during the Christmas season, to signing autographs, and even recording voice mail messages for the Phillies' Phaithful ... Harry Kalas truly understood more than just baseball—he understood people.
He was one of the few broadcasters who still spent time with the players in the locker room and traveled with them during road trips. He was a man that loved to be around those that loved the game, because it is a game that he had loved since he was eight years old. Everyone seems to have a Harry Kalas story, and we all try to emulate his famous calls and quotes like, "that ball is outta here!" and a recent favorite, "Chase Utley, you are the man!"... memories we have and will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
His personality and his ability to connect with the fans is why almost everyone called him by his first name, and why I am comfortable referring to him as Harry ... so how do you say goodbye to a Legend? ... well, for this legend, you say goodbye with a great big "Thank You" ... so, thank you, Harry Kalas ... thank you for your voice, your dedication, your personality, your generosity, and your outgoing spirit ... you were an inspiration to many, and an inspiration to me. You are truly missed, but never forgotten, and your legend will live on in our hearts, our minds, and throughout the airwaves.
And for one last time— "Swing and a long drive, watch this baby, that ball is outta here!"
"If you didn't like Harry Kalas, you didn't like anybody." --Bob Uecker
--sja
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