Heeeeeeeeeeeee’s Outta Here!

There. I said it. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate lead-in than that. Harry Kalas, a legend in Philadelphia sports broadcasting for over four decades, has died today at the age of 73. Reports are that Kalas collapsed in the broadcast booth before the start of the Phillies game in Washington, DC earlier this afternoon.

If there was ever a voice to capture the euphoric highs and monotonous lows of the game of baseball, Harry Kalas’ baritone was it. Together with former Phillie Richie Ashburn, the pair called Phillies games for both radio and television broadcasts throughout the 70’s, 80s, and most of the 90s, ending only with Ashburn’s death in 1997. Kalas continued to broadcast with other commentators following Ashburn’s death, culminating with his dramatic call of the Phillies World Championship in October of last year. I’m glad he got to see his beloved team reach that pinnacle, and share in the city’s pride during the ensuing celebration.

For many, including me, Harry Kalas was Philadelphia baseball, but he was so much more. The sound of his voice year after year was a soothing reminder of the hope and promise the start of each season brought after a cold and dreary Philadelphia winter.

Now his absence will only remind me of the passage of time.