Kalas' Signature Adorns CBPs Grass

From Todd Zolecki.

UPDATE: Zolecki also has taken a picture of the plaque that hangs on the broadcast booth.

From Todd Zolecki.

Phillies Release Information for Saturday's Kalas Memorial

From Todd Zolecki:

Beginning at 8:00 a.m., on a first come, first served basis, fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects on the field as they pass by Kalas' casket, which will be located behind home plate. To accommodate as many fans as possible, the starting time of the memorial tribute program has been moved back to 1:30 p.m.

Fans will pass by the casket until approximately 12:45 p.m. at which time all persons in attendance will be directed to seats. Beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m., current and former players -- some of whom are travelling great distances to be here to pay their final respects -- broadcasters, front office employees, and friends and family members will pay their final respects before the on-field tribute begins at 1:30 p.m.

Fans will be directed to enter Citizens Bank Park through the Third Base Gate at Pattison Avenue and Citizens Bank Way and will be asked to leave the ballpark through the First Base Gate. Although fans are not being asked to bring flowers or other mementos, if they choose to do so such items should be left in the area of the Mike Schmidt statue prior to entry at the Third Base Gate.

Parking will be free. Fans are encouraged to park in the lots on the west side of the ballpark, located on the site of the former Veterans Stadium. Limited concession stands will be open.

All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative program, an 8"x10" photograph of Harry and a poem written by him in 2002 as a fan tribute.

I really wish I could get to this event.

John Madden Retires

Just three days after a legendary broadcaster passed away another is calling it quits. John Madden, involved with professional football in some way for the last 40 years, is retiring from broadcasting. He had spent the last three years with NBC doing Sunday Night Football with Al Michaels.

"It’s time. I’m 73 years old. My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. I have two great sons and their families and my five grandchildren are at an age now when they know when I’m home and, more importantly, when I’m not. It’s been such a great ride… the NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion – it still is. I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have… that great life with the teams, the players, the coaches, the owners, the League… my broadcasting partners Pat and Al… the production people and the fans …is still great… it’s still fun and that’s what it makes it hard and that’s why it took me a few months to make a decision.

I still love every part of it – the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people… but I know this is the right time."

Madden is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a coach and is the most decorated NFL broadcaster of all-time. He won 16 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Analyst/Personality and his own video game is entering its 21st year of existence.

Madden's final game as a broadcaster may go down as his finest work. Madden and Michaels worked Super Bowl XLIII, an exciting game in its own right, to rave reviews. It was Madden's 11th Super Bowl broadcast.

I really think he didn't have the will to work games when he knew Brett Favre wasn't in an NFL stadium somewhere gunslinging interceptions.

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.

Kalas Write Up in SNT

I'm trying to archive as many stories about legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas, who passed away on Monday at the age of 73. Here is yesterday's (April 14, 2009) tribute to the man by Sporting News Today.

Click to enlarge.

REPORT: Kalas Died of Heart Disease

From ESPN:

Autopsy results show that longtime Phillies' TV and radio broadcaster Harry Kalas died from heart disease.

A spokeswoman at the Washington D.C. chief medical examiner's office said Kalas, who died Monday, had high blood pressure and suffered from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The disease, in which plaque buildup restricts blood flow in arteries, is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.

So there it is, the final answer.

So long Harry, you will be missed.

QUOTABLE: JoePa on Harry Kalas

Harry did a wonderful job for Philadelphia in everything he did. He was fair in his reporting and enthusiastic about the games he covered. He was a class act, one of the greats in his profession, and will be missed.

-- Joe Paterno

Remembering a Legend: Harry Kalas

Phillies CF Shane Victorino points towards the broadcast booth in honor of the late Harry Kalas after hitting a home run during yesterday's win over the Nationals.

Harry was loved. We all knew people adored and respected the man with the deep baritone and resonating home run calls. But did we realize how much people loved this man? There are stories far and wide of people remembering the legend. How many of those people actually interacted with Harry? Few. And yet people are mourning as though they lost an uncle or a grandfather. That's how important Harry Kalas was to Philadelphia and its fans.

For those of you interested, here is my story.

The first baseball season I vividly remember took place in 1993. I was 8 years old. My parents weren't die-hard sports fans; they were more casual types who had rooting interests and loved sports in general. They certainly loved their football and hockey, but baseball was a distant third. So then how did I become such a big baseball fan? My grandparents. My mom's parents were all about the Phillies. The only games I remember from that epic '93 season were ones I took in in front of the TV set or radio on the floor of the living room at my grandparents' farm. I can recite many of the players from that 1993 squad. Darren Daulton, John Kruk, Mickey Morandini, Dave Hollins, Kevin Stocker, Curt Schilling, Pete Incaviglia, Jim Eisenreich, Lenny Dykstra, etc. Why do those names stick in my head? It's not just the names, it's the way they were said. And who was saying them.

Harry Kalas had a way with names (and home run calls and strike outs). That's what I remember from those '93 games. Mic-key Morandiiiiinniiiiiiii!

"Righetti stretches.... 1-2 pitch... swing and a well-hit ball to deep right.... this ball is a grand slam, a grand slam home run Mickey Morandini and the Phillies have broken this game wide open."

-- Harry Kalas during game versus the Giants on July 10, 1993

That's the only one I can translate from sound to text but he had this swagger and staccato about him when he'd say any of the Phillies names. It wasn't just during '93; no, it was every year, no matter how good the team or particular player was. I remember Kalas' calls more so than the games themselves. You may think I'm exaggerating but it's true. The calls are what I remember. It's Harry's voice in my head when I think back to the Phillies storming back to beat the Giants on April 26. After trailing 8-0 entering the bottom of the 6th the Phillies scored 9 runs, the last coming in the bottom of the 10th on a wild pitch. Your winning pitcher? Phillies broadcaster and Harry's friend Larry Andersen.

There were tow memorable games - marathons really - within five days of each other in July. On the 2nd, the Padres and Phillies took part in a double header. The first game started at 4:44 PM. Terry Mulholland took the loss as the Padres beat Philadelphia 5-2. The game was marred with rain delays. The second game began at 1:28 AM on the 3rd. At 4:42 AM, with the game tied 5-5 in the bottom of the 10th, pitcher Mitch Williams stepped to the plate with Incaviglia on second and Eisenreich on 1st. Then this happened.

Line drive... left-center field... Incaviglia scores and the Phillies win it on a base hit by Mitchie-poo!

-- Harry Kalas in the early morning of July 3, 1993

Phillies win, 6-5, after nearly 12 hours of baseball.

On the 7th, less than five days later, the Phillies embarked on yet another event that helped define that magical 1993 season. It's 5-3 Phillies in the top of the 9th against the Dodgers. Closer Mitch Williams is on the mound. Williams proceeds to allow a walk, single, walk, walk, bringing the game to 5-4. Williams is replaced by Larry Andersen who immediately allows a single to tie the game. The damaged ended there but the game was tied. After the Phils could muster nothing in the bottom of the frame, extra innings were needed. Another 10 innings passed - yep, a full game and then some - and the score remained 5-5. The top of the 20th arrived. It was time for some scoring. The Dodgers took a 6-5 lead when pitcher Mitch Williams tried to get Jose Offerman at home but the throw was wild. During the home half of the 20th the Phillies offense woke up. Eisenreich and Morandini singled followed by a fielder's choice by Stocker advancing the runners. Dykstra stepped to the plate and hammered a line drive down the left field line for a ground rule double. Phillies win 7-6 in 20 innings. Unbelievable.

The Phillies clinched their first division title since 1983 on September 28th. Just over two weeks later they were headed to the World Series.

Swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Phillies are the '93 National League Champions! Mitch Williams, a 1-2-3 save and this place is bedlam at Veterans Stadium.

-- Harry Kalas calling the final out of the '93 NLCS

Though that season didn't end the way Harry or the fans of Philadelphia wanted, last year did.

Kalas' Recent Memorable Calls
2007 N.L. East Division Champions

Curve ball, struck him out. The Phillies are National League East champions. Look at the scene on the field. Look at the scene in the stands. This is incredible. The Phillies are National Leagues East champions and going to the postseason for the first time since 1993. Wow!

2008 N.L. East Division Champions

The pitch to Zimmerman... ground ball up the middle... J-roll dives... to Utley one.. relay... double play. The Phillies are the National League Eastern Division champions on a spectacular double play by J-roll to Utley to Howard. What a play by J-roll!

2008 World Series Champions

One strike away, nothing-and-two the count to Hinske. Fans on 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 let the city celebrate!

There are plenty of other great videos and tributes around the internet today. Here are a few...

Wheels, Franzke, Sarge, LA, and T-Mac had to go on yesterday and do the Phillies-Nationals broadcast, less than 2 hours after Harry passed away.
Phillies Broadcasters Remember Harry Kalas | The 700 Level

On this post you'll find Kalas' final home run call on a moon shot hit by NLCS hero Matt Stairs.
The Final Outta Here | The 700 Level

More 700 level views here.
Harry Kalas Has Left Us | The 700 Level

meech.one has the CSN tribute to Harry.
CSN's Tribute to Harry Kalas | The Fightins

And he has the video reactions of former Philadelphia beat writer and resident, Jayson Stark.
Jayson Stark on the legend that is Harry Kalas | The Fightins

The combined efforts of The Fightins and Birdland bring us this

Available here. All proceeds go to Phillies charities.

Kevin McGuire at Macho Row has a plethora of posts up about the legend.
Phillies Win With Heavy Hearts, Baseball World Mourns the Loss of Kalas, Quotes About Kalas, and NFL Films Remember Kalas

OTHER READS
Remembering Kalas, a heavenly voice | Bill Conlin, Philly.com
I Remember Harry | The Zo Zone
Memorable cals during Kalas' time with the Phillies | Pocono Record

Harry Kalas, YOU Are the Man

As the posts and tributes roll in around the blogosphere, I wanted to highlight two things. First is this remark by Harry on August 9, 2006. Crashburn Alley has the call.

“Chase Utley, you are the man!” Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas gushed from the booth.

Why was he gushing? Utley scored from second on a routine ground ball. Harry loved hustle.

And second is a move by the classy Shane Victorino, who Franzke noted was the first player to approach the broadcast crew after the news.

from The Fightins

That's Shane pointing to the broadcast booth after his home run against the Nationals today. Franzke gave the home run call.

...and, yes folks, it's outta here.

RIP Harry.

Forever a Phillie: RIP Harry Kalas

from Beerleaguer

Rest In Peace, Harry. A piece of Philadelphia has been lost. Very glad the '08 squad sent you out a winner. You will be missed.

The Fightins has the ESPN piece featuring Jayson Stark, former Phillies beat writer for the Inquirer.

“Harry Kalas was baseball in Philadelphia for millions of people. And the thought of watching Phillies games without that voice is unimaginable for me, and millions of other people who I know.”

Exactly.



CAREER HIGHLIGHTS (from ESPN)

Over time, Harry Kalas evolved into one of Philadelphia's beloved sports figures. Some of the more memorable notes in his illustrious broadcasting career:

• Called six no-hitters
• Mike Schmidt's 500th home run on April 18, 1987
• Every one of Steve Carlton's starts from 1972-86
• Pete Rose's 3,631 career hit on Aug. 10, 1981 (which broke Stan Musial's NL record)
• First game at the Houston Astrodome, April 12, 1965
• First game at Veterans Stadium, April 10, 1971
• First game at Citizens Bank Park, April 12, 2004
• Was in his 43rd year as a MLB broadcaster
• Phillies broadcaster since 1971; member of original Astros broadcast team in 1965
• Inducted into the broadcaster's wing of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002
• Named Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the year 18 times

I'll add to that... how about calling the only two World Series titles the team has ever won? Tuesday, October 21, 1980 and Wednesday, October 29, 2008, dates that will be forever known in the City of Brotherly Love. Although we didn't hear Kalas call the 1980 game live, we know he was his boisterous self.

Kalas' final home run call was the two-run, pinch hit home run by Matt Stairs yesterday versus Colorado.

Legendary Phillies Broadcaster Kalas Hospitalized, Passes Away

Harry Kalas, voice of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1971, passed out in the press box at Nationals Park this afternoon and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. The Philadelphia Daily News has the info.

Team president David Montgomery said Kalas, 73, was found at about 12:30 p.m. by Rob Brooks, the Phillies' director of broadcasting. Emergency medical personnel were called and took Kalas to George Washington University Hospital.

Team president David Montgomery characterized the situation as "serious," but did not have any further information.

The Phillies' announcers were brought to the team's clubhouse at about 1 p.m., and they and the players were told about Kalas.

I'll have updates as soon as I hear anything.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the legendary broadcaster, one of the best in the biz.

UPDATE (1:52 PM):According to Todd Zolecki on Twitter, Harry Kalas has passed away. Sad and tragic news. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the Phillies organization.