It’s been a tragic opening week for Major League Baseball so far. First the Los Angeles Angels lost promising young pitcher Nick Adenhart in an auto accident after a drunk driver struck a car he was in after making a start on Thursday morning. And now comes the news out of Washington D.C. that long time Phillies play-by-play man Harry Kalas has died at the age of 73.
Kalas was in Washington with the Phillies for the Nationals home opener when he was found passed out in the broadcast booth and taken to the hospital. Details are still emerging on what happened, but all we know for certain at this point is that Kalas has passed away.
From APP.COM:
Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas is dead at age 73, team president David Montgomery said today.
The 73-year-old Kalas, known for his distinctive “Outta here!” call on home runs, was found by the Phillies director of broadcasting at about 12:30 p.m., Montgomery said.
I must say that ever since I started subscribing to MLB’s Extra Innings package on my television a few years ago, one of my favorite things to do was watch a Phillies game when they were broadcasting the Phillies feed. Kalas had one of those voices that’s instantly recognizable, and was a joy to listen to, even if I wasn’t a Phillies fan.
He will be missed by many, that’s for sure.
2:29 pm on April 13th, 2009
one of the best in the business, and classiest too! you will be missed
2:40 pm on April 13th, 2009
Man oh man that sucks. He was the greatest.
Pure class off the air, if people only knew.
He will be missed dearly. That's a cliche, but in this case it's very true.
Between Adenhart and Harry it's been a might tough week.
3:13 pm on April 13th, 2009
Rest in peace Harry. NFL highlights will never be the same.
3:42 pm on April 13th, 2009
at least we still have Chris Berman…
3:52 pm on April 13th, 2009
I am wondering why MLB didn't postpone the game under the circumstances. Not like the Exponationals sold the game out.
Depressing, his voice was so recognizible and he brought great story telling to games. Even not as a Phillies fan, he was a true legend of broadcasting and so good at his job. God speed Harry, and have a beer with Harry Caray up in the booth in Heaven..:)
http://www.wrestlingbeltworld.com
4:30 pm on April 13th, 2009
A truly great loss.
A real legend.
It's almost like you lost someone you know.
Peace to his family and the Philly phans today.
8:02 pm on April 13th, 2009
I'm surprised Harry's death is getting so much coverage - ESPN News did a nice job reviewing his career - figured if you weren't from NYC or LA you'd get a brief mention and nothing else - and the nice comments here. He and Richie Ashburn were an great announcing team.
What a day - Mark The Bird Fidrych also died - only 54; and just off the wire: Bruce Snyder - ex Arizona State coach dead at 69.
2:39 am on April 14th, 2009
i had the pleasure of having a beer with him- next time i drink a cold hieni - i'll tip the top and drop one for my homie harry. R.I.P- good luck NFL Films replacing that voice.
11:27 am on April 25th, 2009
Up until that point I had never heard or seen a Phils game that Harry didn't call. I turn 36 in october.