I was 9 years old and my dad uncommonly interrupted a street hockey game on a mid-April day in 1987. The Philadelphia Phillies were playing the Pirates in Pittsburgh on a sunny weekend game. "Come on in here, you don't want to miss this!" he said. Wow, was he right!
"Swing and a long drive, there it is, number 500! The career 500th home run for Michael Jack Schmidt!" called Harry Kalas.
Schmidt clapped his way to first base and beyond. His baby blue jersey dancing in and out of the sun and shade. Easily my most memorable Kalas call.
More so than the 2008 World Series call which I was fortunate enough not to hear live as I was in attendance.
"One strike away; nothing-and-two, the count to Hinske. Fans on the 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 watch the city celebrate! Don't let the 48-hour wait diminish the euphoria of this moment, and the celebration. And it has been 28 years since the Phillies have enjoyed a World Championship; 25 years in this city with a team that has enjoyed a World Championship, and the fans are ready to celebrate. What a night!"
Unlike the past 6 or so months that I've heard that call over and over, I'll now feel deeply saddened when hearing it.
Harry was a man of many words and wasted few. He was the envy of so many men and women in Philadelphia. Who wouldn't want to pal around with Richie Ashburn and travel around the country with the Phillies year after year?
His signature white belt and shoes were as memorable as his renditions of "High Hopes". Harry seemed to enjoy himself as much everyone enjoyed listening to him call the ballgame.
He was more of an icon to the Phillies than the P on the cap.
He loved what he did and died where he loved to be; in the booth.
Thank you Harry for the many games we were blessed to hear your voice.
Harry Kalas....YOU are the man!
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