Letters: Golden memories of Harry

AS THE time went by and we all got older, I could always count on the Phils and Harry Kalas to bring me back to memories of yesteryear.

Gone are the days of the transistor radio with Harry's voice in the yard, at the beach or the neighborhood barbershop. I'll sadly miss the memories of every kid impersonating Harry during a game of sandlot baseball.

I met Harry this year during spring training for the first time - and sadly the last. He'll be dearly missed as a piece of my childhood has disappeared, never to be forgotten.

William J. Bowdren, Philadelphia

When I was a boy, I'd ride my bike to my grandfather's house so we could watch the Phillies games together.

For years, it was always the same, the announcer who stood out above all others - Harry the K.

Without a doubt, there are two moments that will forever stick in my mind. First and foremost was the final out in the 2008 World Series. To hear Harry say that the "Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 world champions of baseball" was music to my ears, something I wondered if I'd ever hear again.

The other happened when I was a young boy, on April 18, 1987. As I looked at my grandfather, we both heard those words that will never be forgotten. "Swing and a long drive, there it is, number 500. The 500th home run for Michael Jack Schmidt!"

Harry was more excited than anyone else at the Vet that day.

The voice of the Phillies will never be forgotten, and will forever echo in heaven as he does play-by-play with Richie Ashburn. I guess the big guy upstairs needed a new announcer.

May he rest in peace.

Terry Saskin, Bensalem

Harry, we'll miss you. You had me glued to the TV in June 1971 when Rick Wise no-hit the Cincinnati Reds.

You made me think back on those twi-night doubleheaders at the Vet when there were monster crowds of 60,000. I'm glad you were still with us when the Phils wrapped up the World Series last fall.

Matt Engel, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

As one who loves the great sport of baseball, America's wholesome pastime, I occasionally had the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate Philadelphia's legendary Harry Kalas, of the old breed of baseball broadcasters.

It's easy to see why Mr. Kalas was so beloved. He was not only a knowledgeable and colorful figure, but a Phillies fan through and through, like Pittsburgh's late classic broadcasters Bob Prince and Rosey Rosewell.

Mr. Kalas departed this earth far too soon, but his vast body of work will ensure that he is never forgotten.

It's fitting that he died doing what he loved, and that his last accomplishment was broadcasting the triumphant return of the World Series title to Philadelphia.

May Phillies fans find comfort in reflecting on a great career, and in all that Mr. Kalas accomplished over nearly four decades of talent and devotion to the city and its great baseball team.

Oren M. Spiegler

Upper Saint Clair, Pa.