Phillies announce plans for Harry tribute
The Phillies have announced a series of tributes to Harry Kalas for Friday night and also for the rest of the season.
Phillies announce plans for Harry tribute
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
The Phillies have announced a series of tributes to Harry Kalas for Friday night and also for the rest of the season.
Fans are urged to arrive early for the 7:05 p.m. start against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park.
According to a Phillies press release, here is what the team has planned:
* 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.
Perfect! Wish I could be there. HK and Whitey...as it should be. They should make "High Hopes" in the 7th and "Outta here" after every Phils homer permanent.- sounds awesome. Some great tributes for a legendary guy. I love the "outta here" after every phillies home run.— TINA
- bravo phillies— wearethechampions
Comment removed.- It's too bad the Royals' stadium is already nicknamed "The K" because that would be a sweet fan-driven nickname for CBP.— AMC4232
- Diddo! Phillies should hire his son to broadcast.— prudential2
- They should make "High Hopes" in the 7th and "Outta here" after every Phils homer permanent. Ill echo that
- Wouldn't it be nice to re-name Ashburn Alley-Ashburn/Kalas Alley? Just a thought...I think Whitey would approve.— Adam from Telford
- Name the stadium after him. Anyone would prefer that to Citizens Bank Park. Use all that World Series money to buy out the naming rights contract, and name it Kalas Park.— DS17
- The Phillies are doing a great job of handling this. I wish I could be there for the game. Very classy and nice. And I agree that "Outta Here" and "High Hopes" should be permenent. I also think that a statue is in order. One near Michael Jack Schmidt would work quite well. And have it play some of his classic calls.— Deb in Dixie
- That is quite a list, well done Phillies. I hope they install something permanent and visible to the entire ballbark. Retire a jersey or permanent mural or something. I'm sure there will at least by a statue out front at some point. I'm going to the Sunday game, wish it was Friday's now.— phillylexis300
- The next home game should have more than a moment of silence; it should be a game of silence - no announcers at all - just a picture on the TV and nothing else. I garranty that all of us will hear Harry and Whitey in our heads just like old times. It would be a fitting tribute that would show the world how much Harry meant to us.— FossilRabbit
- I love the idea of no broadcaster during the first half-inning. Nice touch, Phillies!— Zherog
- After the Outta here is played, all fans must finish the call by yelling "home run, (insert name)— joeolive
- I think people should remember that his son (and I mean no offense by this) wasn't a great announcer. Its HUGE shoes to fill and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone, but it may be too high of an expectation for his own son to step in.— Gary Varsho
