Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Phillies Doing Their Best to Honor "Their Voice"

A black HK patch will be worn over the heart on Phillies jerseys the rest of the season to honor Harry Kalas, the voice of the Phillies for more than 38 years.

Todd Zolecki has a list of the things the Phillies will be doing on Friday, the first home game to be played since the passing of broadcasting legend Harry Kalas on Monday.

The Phillies will honor their legendary voice prior to the game with several tributes:

  • The television booth in which Harry broadcast since Citizens Bank Park opened in 2004 will be named the Harry Kalas Broadcast Booth, "That ball's outta here!" A plaque will be hung to officially name the booth. The neighboring radio booth is named the Richie ("Whitey") Ashburn Broadcast Booth, "This game's easy, Harry."
  • The ceremonial first ball will be thrown by Harry's three sons, Todd, Brad and Kane.
  • Prior to the National Anthem, to be sung by Harry's son Kane, there will be a moment of silence.
  • All fans will receive an 8"x10" color photograph of Harry.
  • Harry's signature will be displayed on the field during the seven-game homestand beginning on Friday.
  • Also for the seven games, a black drape will appear in front of the Phillies radio and TV booths and the Phillies flag in Ashburn Alley will be hung at half-mast.
  • A video of Harry's career will be aired on PhanaVision.
  • During the seventh-inning stretch, a video of Harry singing "High Hopes" will be shown on PhanaVision. Fans will be encouraged to join in.

Other acknowledgements include:

  • During the first half-inning of the game televised by Comcast Network Philadelphia (formerly CN8), there will be no announcer commentary.
  • Throughout the remainder of the season, a billboard honoring Harry will be displayed on the outfield wall.
  • As previously announced, an HK patch will be worn on Phillies uniforms this season.
  • Throughout the 2009 season, following every Phillies home run, Harry's legendary "Outta Here!" home run call will be played over the PA system as the Liberty Bell lights up.
All great things to honor the one and only Harry Kalas. I know some fans will be delighted about the "no announcer commentary".

UPDATE: Zolecki, again, comes through for us.


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