THANKS HARRY!

Harry Kalas came to Philadelphia in 1971 and replaced the then beloved Bill Campbell. It ironically was Bill Giles who came over from the Houston Astros that paved the way for Kalas to take over the Phillies play by play as the Phillies also opened up the new “state of the art” Veterans Stadium.

It wasn’t long before the Philly faithful realized this guy was a rare gem. To begin with he had a voice that resonated like very few others. He could make “pass me the salt” sound profound and dramatic without even trying. But the fact is he loved baseball with a passion that stood out like the proverbial sore thumb.

His love for baseball quickly included a devotion and affection for the Phillies. What was amazing about it was it was clearly real. He was not a persona putting on a “homer” display for the airwaves.

Part of what made this obvious was how he became a part of the boys. Yes he hung out with the players and they wanted him too. From the 1970′s through 2009 you have a never ending line of players who have come, gone, and are still here that considered him a trusted and dear friend. And that is unusual when you consider he was a part of the “dreaded” media.

Another factor of his legend and his magnetic charisma was his consistent and genuine delivery of every game. Harry spun a beautiful web of excitement, disappointment, cheer leading, hope for improvement, and an honest frank but positive telecast. And again players loved it. Professional athletes know there are times of outstanding performances deserving adulation and there will be times when constructive criticism is called for. But they knew Harry would present it in a realistic and positive way. It was about the team and everyone coming together as individuals to accomplish the ultimate goal of winning.

I know for myself as for millions of other Philadelphia area fans listening and watching a Phillies game will never quite be the same without Harry.

But we will forever hear these Harry the K treasures in the recesses of our mind.

“Swing and a long drive, there it is, number 500! The career 500th home run for Michael Jack Schmidt!”

“65,000 plus on their feet here at Veterans Stadium. The Tugger needs one more…Swing and a miss! Yes, he struck him out! Yes, they did it! The Phillies are world champions! World champions of baseball! It’s pandemonium at Veterans Stadium! All of the fans are on their feet. This city has come together behind a baseball team!…Phillies are world champions! This city knows it! This city loves it!”

“Swing and a miss!!! Struck him out! The Phillies…are the ’93…National League Champions!!!”

“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; 25 years in this city with a team that has enjoyed a World Championship, and the fans are ready to celebrate. What a night!”

“Swing…and a long drive, watch this baby, outta here! Home run “

Thanks Harry for the memories, you were the best!