Letters: Some poetic tributes to Harry

Harry the K

(To the rhythm of "Casey at the Bat, by E.L. Thayer.)

The outlook was pretty good for the Phillies nine that day.

The sun was out, the sky was blue and they were ready to play.

When word came down from the booth, somberly saying one name,

A sickly silence fell upon the players of the game.

All together Phillies fans fell into deep despair,

With the thought that they would never hear another "Outta here!"

They thought, if only Harry could call one more game,

His voice would soothe, our team would win and all would be the same.

But Whitey preceded Harry, and the K was ready to go,

And like he would've wanted, the teams put on a show.

Upon the stricken multitude, grim melancholy sat,

While player after player kept coming up to bat.

Tied at four after seven, trying to bring high hopes to all,

Ryan Howard bravely swung and tore the cover off the ball.

The broadcasters tried to fill the hole, not quite sure what to say.

"Outta here" seemed out of place on this solemn day.

They lost their colleague and their friend and did the best they could.

Instead of baseball, they called on memories, the great and the good.

Fans were grateful and shared their grief, too sad to absorb the play,

For Harry, their beloved Harry, was suddenly gone that day.

His dulcet tones were surely missed as was his distinctive style,

Yet recalling story after story helped all to find a smile.

Remembering his names for players, like Mitchy-Poo & Michael Jack,

We barely noticed the Phillies winning, we just wanted Harry back.

Up in heaven, Whitey and our man are catching up on time,

And somewhere else a happy few are adding music to rhyme.

And somewhere men are laughing as they down beer after beer,

But there is no joy in Philly - Harry the K is outta here.

Coreen Tossona, Trappe, Pa.

What will baseball be like without Harry?

I think we all know it will never be the same.

Listening to him call out each play,

You just knew he really loved the game.

He was the soundtrack of our summers/giving us memories we'll never forget.

Whether you were listening on the radio/or watching down at the Vet.

His voice was synonymous with the Phillies/From the Series victory and Michael Jack's 500th home run.

He brought excitement to the game, be it a rain delay or a sky full of sun.

Harry did what he did with emotion, pride, and class.

He's someone we'll surely miss sitting behind that booth made of glass.

Harry is someone that Philly will always hold dear.

Gone, but not forgotten, "That ball is outta here."

Donna McCloskey, Philadelphia