Readers of The Phillies Zone, a blog by Inquirer beat writer Andy Martino, offered comments about Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas:
Posted by ksmmike 06:05 PM, 04/13/2009
Having grown up in Trenton my first time hearing Harry was with my Grandad, who listened to the Phils on the radio. He was not only the voice of the Phils but, along with Vin Scully, the two voices of baseball. Why do I say this? Having lived in Florida for many years now and a die hard Marlins fan, I have XM to listen to Harry and Vin. Thanks Harry, I am sure you are in the booth with Mel Allen and Skip Carey doing tonight's game in Heaven.
Posted by atp2007 06:54 PM, 04/13/2009
Mine is not a baseball memory. One cold Sunday afternoon last winter, while the Eagles were struggling to stay in the playoff race and I was driving while feeling kind of worn out by the Midwestern winter and lonely from having missed the World Series parade, I began to skim thru stations on the radio and suddenly I heard a familiar voice. There was Harry K., the voice of Philly, covering an NFL game. I don't remember which game it was and didn't pay attention to the game but just left his voice on in the background and didn't feel so far away anymore.
Posted by troubledog 07:02 PM, 04/13/2009
I loved Harry's voice. Moving away from Philly decades ago made me appreciate Harry even more. Whenever I got the chance (if I was in Philly or if Harry was calling an NFL game), I would listen just to hear his distinctive timbre. I can't remember the last time I was so saddened by the passing of someone I never met. I (no doubt like Philly fans the world over) felt like I knew Harry well, just because I had an intimate relationship with his voice. It makes it a little harder to care about baseball (I'll get over that, of course). RIP Harry; now the Phillies will be WFC for you for of eternity.
Posted by BarrryMoscow 08:18 PM, 04/13/2009
Story about Harry the Person. In 1982 my friend's father retired, and he went on a cruise with his wife to celebrate. Harry Kalas was on the cruise, and they had a chance to socialize with him like dozens of other fans. Within a week of returning, my friend's father died suddenly from a heart attack. Harry learned about his passing and took the time to attend the wake to pay his respects to the widow and her family. These folks had been strangers to him a few weeks before. It was a gesture that was greatly appreciated.
