Phillies announce plans for Harry tribute
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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.
philly girl 27 I have been such a big fan for so many years. We will all miss the voice of the game. My dog is named Harry after our beloved " HIGH HOPES". Lets just hope the Phillies do something so that he is never forgotten. Like change the name of the Park.— philly girl 27- Here's my $.02 for honor ideas: Rename a street around the stadium "Harry Kalas Drive." Whitey already has "Ashburn Alley," so we're covered there. A few blocks of a street at the Sports Complex shouldn't hurt the memories of people after whom the street was already named. A "Retired Microphone" Jersey would be a nice gesture too.— davesju93
- At the games, all the fans should go "Outa Here" everytime we homer. Doesn't even hav to be in unison. Or the PA announcer can have Harry's "Outa Here" call on que & we can all do it together.— XmarksTheSpot
- High Hopes during the stretch is awesome and should be permanent. "That Ball is OUTTA HERE!!" Should also be permanent after phillies homers...goosebumps thinking about 40 thousand people yelling that for Harry at once -could be a great tradition. A statue is obvioulsy in order as well. Needs to be somewhere public that also has a view to the field. Citizens Bank would get way more customers/positive publicity if they renamed the field Harry Kalas Memorial Park...would never happen but I would switch all my banking to them if they did just on principle.— Teddy Beckerstead
- The Phils could not have planned things any better. Every signature of Harry has been addressed with utmost CLASS. This has become the GOLD STANDARD of the city. Thank you Harry and thank you Phillies! Go PHILS!— mgondek652
- Ask Citizen's Bank Park to relinquish name and call it Kalas Park or at the very least name one of the side streets (i.e. Darian Street) after him.— emilia b
- I'm with Paperchase - "high hopes" is a great idea, but not sure about permanent. He sang it in Spring Training and post-season when they made it - so I'm not sure it fits for 81 home games a year. after a while it would lose its meaning.— Gary Varsho
- Harry Kalas Field at Citizens Bank Park. Since the naming rights will never go away, this is a way to get around it.— cupnow79
- Hey, Citizens Bank. Want to build some GREAT WILL (and customers) during these financially troubled times? Continue to pay the naming rights fee at the park but allow the phillies to rename it "Harry Kalas Park" just for the remainder of the year!You'll have my business.— buenavista
- i agree with the idea of making outta here after a home run and high hopes in the 7th permanent. that would be great, we all love the outta here call and harry singing high hopes is great— ConservativePatriot22
- cupnow- that sounds good. Im tellin you, homers would be that much more decent if they would put Harry's "Outta Here" call on the PA system whenever that bell rings. It would be the Truth— XmarksTheSpot
Comment removed.- Phils are handling this with class. Let's make "Outta Here" and "High Hopes" permanent.— KarenA
- That's a great idea Fossil Rabbit I am glad though they are honoring him— KJ256
- How 'bout "Ashburn Alley at Kalas Way" for the centerfield entertainment area? It has a nice ring to it I think! Way to go Phillies-a classy organization indeed!— jmmdk5
