Phillies Nation

80 Responses to “BREAKING NEWS: Harry Kalas Dead At 73”

1. Andy Says:
   April 13th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

   Oh my, this is terrible news! My thoughts are with you, Harry.

2. L. Rosco Says:
   April 13th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

   I saw this on Philly.com. I’m not much of a prayer, but my thoughts are definitely with Harry today.

3. JohnKruksLoveChild Says:
   April 13th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

   Hopefully it is minor, he’s had some complications over the past year or two that have required hospital visits, but nothing serious.

4. Mike D Says:
   April 13th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

   What!

5. Chase Mutley Says:
   April 13th, 2009 at 1:38 pm

   Just saw this on philly.com too. Took the wind out of me. I hope everything is ok.

6. Geoff Says:
   April 13th, 2009 at 1:38 pm

   Aw man. This iis one of the last legends left in broadcasting. I hope he fully recovers.

7. GWFightinsFan Says:
   April 13th, 2009 at 1:39 pm

   OMG I hope and pray he’s ok….I’m a student at GW, and it would be awful if anything happened to him right on campus…

8. Dave Says:
   April 13th, 2009 at 1:41 pm

   Saw this on ESPN…apparently Dave Montgomery said it “is serious” and the visitors clubhouse at the Nats’ park is closed to outsiders

   Hope he recovers, and fast. Best PBP man going.

9. Kevin Says:
   April 13th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

   Just heard there will be a press conference at 2pm. Anybody else hear this?

10. Havoc Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    Have to echo everyone on this. Grew up listening to Harry, all we can do is hope and pray he’s ok.

11. Kieran Kelly Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    I hope Harry K is alright. I love that man. His voice just instantly puts me in a better mood.

12. Mike Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    I hope Harry is ok. I could never imagine watching a phillies game without him. I turn the radio on when he switches. My prayers are with you Harry K.

13. Geoff Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    I grew up listening to Harry & Whitey like we all did. Those guys both mean a lot to my memories of baseball.

14. Sean A Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    I’m prayin for the best outcome for him, truely a great man.. I just hope everythings alright

15. TonyG Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

    Harry is a true class act in every sense of the word. You better get well, Harry!!

16. Don M Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    This is just rumor at this point… but I heard that Harry may have passed..

    A friend of a friend is in the know.. and I’m not saying that to scare anyone, just saying what i’ve heard..

    Keep him in your prayers.. and brace yourselves

17. Joe Bonsall Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    praying for HARRY!!!!!

18. Mallory Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    Todd Zolecki’s Twitter was just updated with “Tragic news. Harry Kalas had died.”
    https://twitter.com/tzolecki

19. Don M Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    wow.. He hung on long enough to see them raise the 2008 banner, and collect their World Series Rings..

    It sounds bad, but that was the first thing I thought when I read the repot of him passed-out in the press box..

    What a blow to the organization, the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies has died.

20. Ryan Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    The Phillies have lost an iconic voice in the world of baseball. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

21. jess Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:09 pm

    Philly fans will mourn this day. Our thoughts and prayers are with those close to him. We lost a legend today.

22. Hugh Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    Oh, Harry. You will be missed as much as you will be remembered. Thank you for so many amazing years as the voice of the Phillies and for being such a great man. Say hello to Whitey for us!!

23. Chuck P Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    Say it ain’t so… is this truth or rumor?? I mean, I heard that he collapsed at lunch on 610 and 1210 but neither station indicated that it was fatal. Washington Post and ESPN are the only ones indicating that he died…

    Nevermind… just updated the Phillies website… he has died. Wow. I’m speechless.

24. Ryan Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:17 pm

    rest in peace harry…summertime won’t be the same without you.

25. Geoff Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    He was basically one of the last legendary annoucners in all of sports left. Its just not gonna be the same. This is going to be a rough game today for the players and announcers. And its going to be really wierd for a long time after that listening to the games or watching without him.

26. Mike D Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    Good luck as you call the home runs St. Peter hits to win the Great Game in the Sky, Harry.

    Summer without Harry Kalas. Phillies games without Harry Kalas.

    No…

27. JohnKruksLoveChild Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    A piece of baseball dies with him, it just won’t ever be the same. Harry was there from my youth to present day, his voice is the very soul of the game.

    Swing and a long drive, he’s outta here. God speed Harry, nobody did it better.

28. Griffin Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    We have lost a great one. This makes me even more thankful that the ‘08 Phillies got the job done. His final out call will be even more legendary now. Rest in peace, Harry.

29. Aqualad08 Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    To the Kalas family and to Phillies fan everywhere, from the bottom of this Mets fan’s heart, my thoughts are with you as we all say goodbye to a class act…

30. Paul Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    Soo sad. I am a Mets fan but today my heart goes out to Harry, his family, the entire Phillies organization and fans. RIP you will be missed.

31. Tim C Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    This was so upsetting to hear. I am just shocked. RIP Harry.

32. Jamie Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    What a tragic loss. I’m so happy he got to see the boys win it all and get their rings. He’ll be impossible to replace, but we know he’ll be calling the game from the booth in the sky.

33. Brian Michael Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    I’m gonna stop by GW hospital and leave flowers or start a vigil after the game…if it’s still played.

    We’ll miss you Harry.

34. Chuck P Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    It won’t be the same… fitting that he goes out on top, that is for sure. What a tragedy… the only voice that I’ve ever known. I remember feeling betrayed when they cut back his innings. I remember feeling like Wheels was a punk. I was at game 5; I’m thankful that I got to hear/see one of his lovely renditions of “High Hopes.” This is a sad day for Phillies Phans and baseball fans, alike. Sorely missed…

35. matt p Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    god bless harry. Ive been listening to harry for all my life with the phils.

    Philles without Harry…. say it aint so. we love you harry.

36. Joedad Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    Hard to believe Harry. We will miss you here and thank you for being the voice of our beloved Phillies. I know that you are now calling games again with His Whiteness.

37. j cole Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    listening to 1210, can’t keep my composure. replaying top of 9th from game 5…

38. NC Jason Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    I am numb right now..

    After I moved to NC I bought XM radio and listen to just about every game. I always looked forward to the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings because that is when he called the games.

    Glad he finally got to call a WS game (remember in 80 CBS had exclusive rights) and it was the calls and letters from Phillie fans that got the rule changed.

39. Good Night Joe Carter Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    Heartbroken.

40. Michael McCullough Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    I’ll ALWAYS remember HARRY KALAS!

    REST IN PEACE.

41. GWFightinsFan Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    Goodbye Harry…you were the voice of the Phillies for my entire life..watching games will never be the same…I’m still in shock and disbelief…lets hope you look down on the phils from heavan and they do you proud!!

42. Woodman Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    We have lost a baseball GIANT! As a senior in high school, living in Virginia in 1971, Harry was my link to the Phillies. Nightly, I would pick up the radio broadcast and listen to Harry’s call of the game. This tradition continued through my college years. My, how he could paint a picture with his deep baritone voice. A true LEGEND. He will never be replaced. One of a kind ICON. Rest in peace, Harry!

43. L. Rosco Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    Harry’s wife Eileen was a customer of mine when I managed the Suncoast in Springfield Mall. I knew her last name but it never occured to me that she was THAT Kalas. I called her when she ordered a movie and left a voice mail, but when the recorded message came on I immediately realized who’s number it was. I call back about 4 times just to hear the voice, and even told Eileen this wehn she came to pick up the movie.

    She gave me Harry’s tickets for a series against the Expos (it was a while ago). They were good seats!

    For anyone who wants to know, Harry Kalas love “The Day of Wine & Roses.”

    You are in my thoughts sir!

44. adam Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    RIP harry, smoothest voice and classiest announcer in baseball. the phils and NFL films will miss you dearly.

45. ED8070 Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    Harry will be truly missed- no one can call a game like he can. Harry and the Phillies have always been one and the same. All of my phillies memories include Harry calling the games. No one will take his place. Now he can be reunited with Whitey once again. R.I.P. Harry

46. Evan Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    Harry’s voice is something I can conjur up at will, its tattooed on my brain. Everyone in Philly loved his play by play, his manner of speaking, and his love of the game and the Phils.

    He leaves the world with millions of fans and admirers. The man will always be a part of Philly to me.

47. Mr North Jersey Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    As a NY Mets fan I can relate with you fans having lost Bob Murphy a few years back myself. Kalas voice will be missed NFL Films will never be the same. I send my condolences to Mr Kalas’s family & friends.

48. Phil Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    I’m really choked up over this. I’ve been teary eyed since I found out. He was the voice of the Phillies and it will be hard to ever watch or listen to a game ever again.

49. randy Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    I will never for get hearing Home Run Micheal Jack Schmidt growing up…made me the phillies fan i am today…I live in Virginia and listen on the radio for him every game.

50. Richie Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    “Harry you will always be the voice of the Phillies! You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. A baseball game could never be called quite like you called it. Ten, twenty years from now I will still hear your voice.”

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Harry and his family. In all reality his extended family is all of us fans!!

51. Chuck Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Unbelieveable!!! I am in shock. First Richie and now Harry. I have 1210 on right now and I feel really bad for these guys in the booth.

52. mikedee Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Godspeed, Harry.

53. Ryk Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

    Such tragic news. I do, however, find it fitting that Harry passed away doing what he loved doing. Sitting in a press box at the ballpark, no doubt wearing the 2008 WS ring.
    You will be missed, Harry. Rest in Peace. Thank you for all the memories.

54. Phillies Phan SC Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    Listening to LA and Scott on XM is tough. They are so professional. If you both read this, we feel your pain and we are so sorry.

55. Andrew Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    Such tragic news. I do, however, find it fitting that Harry passed away doing what he loved doing. Sitting in a press box at the ballpark, no doubt wearing the 2008 WS ring.

    Like Dale Earnhardt at Daytona, or Bert Bell at an Eagles/Steelers game, he couldn’t have chosen a more fitting place to take his leave of us. But still way, way too soon.

56. Chuck Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:25 pm

    listening to the game at work. Franske and LA really sound like they’re just going through the motions.

57. Mazinman Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    I heard about it a short time ago from a friend and now its kicking in as tears are pouring down my eyes. My thoughts with his family, friends, and all of us who have had the joy to listen to him work. Schmidt’s 500 and Lidge’s final strikeout from Game 5 from last year will be in my mind forever.

    Rest in Peace Harry. I still can’t believe I am writting this.

58. TIFF Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    It’s a sad day for the Phils. I remember back in ‘93 Harry singing “High Hopes”. I have him calling Lidge clinching the World Series as my ringtone. Many of my phillies memories include him.

    On a brighter note, at least he got to see the Phightins win the World Series and receieve their rings. His lived his dream on a daily basis. He died doing what he loved.

    RIP Harry

59. Dick Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:44 pm

    R.I.P. Harry, Philadelphia will never be the same

60. Tom G Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    the Greatest PHILLIE of all-time…bar none!

    I grew up listening to his voice, paint the image on my mind better than HD…he was the greatest voice in sports…baseball, Football, NFL FILMS, and Notre Dame highlights…

    Love him, will miss him
    TOM

61. SJ Mike Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    I still can’t believe that we will not hear the voice of Harry anymore. I am so deeply saddened.

    It may be unorthodox since he is not a player, but I think Harry should be a posthumous induction in the Phillies Wall of Fame.

62. mike Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

    The only good thing out of this tragic loss is that he got to see his beloved phillies win a title and get there rings, and watch that banner fly over the park. He now is with richie calling games for the field of dream team. Met him once at the off track betting parlor in south philly .It was derby day years ago and he came in and was next to me at the bar, he ask me who I like we talk he remember that he knew my brother who work for the airlines, he talk like he was my brothers best friend . really a nice man.God bless you harry and no one will ever take your place, not many people leave there mark on so many like you have rest in peace.

63. Chuck P Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    How many of you listen to games on the radio when ESPN has the TV rights?

    Harry’s in a league of his own… a voice meant for broadcasting.

64. Nick Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    Phillies games and MLB baseball will never be the same again. My heart and prayers go out to his family and everyone who knew him. Listening to him everygame, I’m just don’t feel the same. I’d like to hear peoples opinion on who should be the main “voice” of the phillies now.

65. mme36 Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    Our house is a house of mourning today. I knew Harry was having some health issues, but losing him is one of those thing you just can’t bear to think about. My one consolation is that somewhere, Harry and Whitey are having a beer, catching up on old times.

    Harry, we will miss you. You truly were the voice of the Phillies. May you rest in peace, and may God be with your loved ones.

66. Nick Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    whitey, “vuk”, johnny marz, and now harry the k, your all missed and will always be missed.

67. Saint Peter Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 4:17 pm

    Mr. Kalas, we are truly honored to have you.

    Together, we will keep watch over your beloved Phils, for all eternity.

68. Doug Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 4:21 pm

    My two favorite memories of Harry were when the Phillies won the National League and the 2008 World Series final out. Phillies games will definitely not be the same without the voice of Harry Kalas

    RIP Harry

69. I know Sal.... Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    My brother, myself and a friend of ours had the privilege of meeting Harry a number of years back, before a game. We ran up to him as he was entering the Vet. We asked him for his autograph, which he obliged without hesitation and then we asked if he could do a homerun call for us. Again, without hesitation, he proceeded to do a re-creation of a Michael Jack Schmidt homerun call, that will live with me for my entire life. Thank you for that, and the many, many more memories that I have of Phillies baseball Harry. You will be loved and remembered for a lifetime. on behalf of my family our condolescenses go out to the Kalas family.

70. Chuck P Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 4:30 pm

    A long-tenured HS football coach in my town (Souderton) retired a few years back and one of the assistants (a close friend) thought that it would be cool to have a professional do the voiceover for his highlight video. The first person that came to mind… of course, Harry Kalas. Somehow, he found a number for Harry. Mr. Kalas was happy to help out… he did the entire video and wouldn’t take any money for doing it. A league of his own.

71. whizkidfanatic Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    Sincere condolences to the Kalas family and the Phillies extended family.

    I first heard the “voice” when he was in Houston as a young announcer. When he got the Phillies job I was happy for him and Phillies fans as I felt he would be a great addition to Phillies broadcasting. He became that and more. I don’t know where the Phils go from here but I have been most fortunate in over 60 years of Phillies fandom to have broadcasters as great as By Saam, Gene Kelly, Whitey Ashburn and Harry Kalas do their turns. That Harry became the greatest of them all is fitting tribute to the man, his family, fans and all in the Phillie family.

72. Grrrumpy Miner Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    WOW! I am in stunned disbelief,I never saw this coming.Even as a Mets fan,this shook me to the core.I know there is no best case scenerio in death,but the best case was,he died doing what he loved,there for the Phightin Phils to call a game.Harry Kalas is to the Phillies what Bob Murphy is to my Amazins.God Bless You Harry.

73. Amanda Orr Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 4:54 pm

    Listening to games will NEVER be the same.

    We love you Harry. YOU are the man. RIP

74. Purple Hayes Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    He will be missed. Listened to him call games on the radio in the summers during the 1980s growing up in upstate NY.

75. PhillyGirlinMichigan Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    God Bless Mr. Kalas & family…Sad news.

76. eric Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    This really is terrible. I can’t imagine this summer without Harry calling games. Someone made a point today that I thought had some merit, even if it is too soon. Hopefully during their search for someone to sit in Harry’s chair, they give some thought to having his son take over. It was something to see them both call the World Series for a few innings last year. Nobody will ever be able to fill those shoes, but he deserves a look.

    RIP Harry.

77. Shawn Victorino Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    You are going to be missed Harry the K

78. Johnny Snowden Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    My prayers go out to Eileen, Todd, Kane and Brad Kalas and the millions of phillies fans that have been apart of Harry’s family since we first tuned in.

79. The Dipsy Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    Grrrump, I don’t mean to be contentious at a time like this, but Harry Kalas was to the Phils as Bob Murphy was to the Mets? Ummmmmmmmmm, well, uh, thanks for the thought at least. When Richie and Harry were at their best, there was usually a baseball game going on while the two of them talked.

    The Dipsy

80. Ryan Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    The Phillies mashed multiple home runs in their defeat of the Nationals and I spent the day moping on the couch as the announcers paid tribute to the greatest voice in baseball and laid a legend to rest. Summer will not be the same without the voice of Harry the K, and I’m more than thankful that I got to spend the first thirty years of my life listening to him announce the wins and many, many losses of my favorite sports team. Rest in peace Harry…it won’t be the same without you.

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