Harry Kalas, Phillies Announcer, Dies at 73

APRIL 13, 2009 TAGS: SPORTS, BASEBALL, ANNOUNCERS ADD A COMMENT

(World Series Update: The Philadelphia Phillies won game 1 of the 2009 World Series last night 6-1, behind lights out pitching from their ace starter Cliff Lee. Wonder what the black HK patch on his uniform signifies? Or why the Phillies hang an empty sportscoat in their dugout? They are playing in memory of beloved Phillies announcer Harry Kalas, who died in April. Like the recently eliminated Los Angeles Angels, the Fightin' Phils are playing baseball for a lost loved one.)

Harry Kalas, the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1971, died April 13 after collapsing in the press box of Nationals Park in Washington DC. He was 73. A legendary announcer known for his exclamatory “Outta Here” proclamation after home runs, Kalas called the last pitch of the 2008 World Series, last October. Rather than a home run, the pitch was a strike out and Kalas' celebratory call became an instant classic.

The Phillies were beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4 to 3 when Brad Lidge, Philadelphia’s closer, struck out Tampa’s Eric Hinske to end the series. Kalas’ deep baritone rung out on the 0-2 pitch, “Swing and a miss, Struck him out!!!” A fellow announcer in the booth jumped with glee and waived his arms in wild exuberance. Kalas stayed seated, smile on his face, explaining that Brad Lidge had had a perfect post-season. One last fact before the celebration ensued.

Kalas was also famous for singing a baseball version of the Frank Sinatra classic, “High Hopes.” Kalas would substitute “oops there goes another run or three…” for one of the lines, describing the sometimes rough and tumble Phillies. But in 2008, like in 1980, the other time the Phillies won the World Series, Kalas witnessed his team, and his city, reach the pinnacle of the sport he loved. He will be missed by Phillies fans and baseball lovers across the country.

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Obit from the MLB.com