Eddie Bruce to sing at Kalas memorial

Entertainer Eddie Bruce -- 'member him from the TV show Dancin' on Air? -- has been given the nod to lead "High Hopes" on Saturday at Harry Kalas' memorial at Citizens Bank Park.

Bruce, who'd known Kalas since 1981 (both DOA and the Phils were on Channel 17), says: "I hope I can do it justice. By that, I mean, I don't want to sing it too pretty because Harry never did. He sang it straight from the heart. I want everyone to join in and sing it as loud as they can, from their guts, so Harry can hear us. I don't care how it sounds. I just hope it is filled with spirit."

Bruce adds that honored that the family considered him worthy. "For Eileen to ask me personally shortly after Harry died probably means the most," he said.

The shock of learning about Kalas' death was awful, Bruce said. "In fact, it rained for two days after Harry died and I decided it was the city crying."

Bruce recalled his band's playing at the Channel 17 Christmas party, and Kalas' leading the crowd in "Silent Night."

"I think that's why we always hit it off," Bruce said. "We always wanted to do what the other person did. Harry always wanted to be a singer. He sang any chance he got. I wanted to do play by play for the Phillies."

Five years ago, Bruce was playing a Variety Club gala, and bid on a silent auction item, Dinner with Harry Kalas. He won. He teased Kalas that it cost him $500 to become his friend. Bruce learned something else that night. "Even though [the dinner] was donated as part of the auction prize, Harry tried to pick up the check. He was going to treat us!"