ODE TO THE FANS
Harry Kalas saluted the Philadelphia fans with a poem during his acceptance speech as the 2002 Ford C. Frick winner at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.:
This is to the Philadelphia Fan
David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Phillies Hall of Fame announcer Harry Kalas throws out the traditional first pitch before the Phillies faced the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on April 8, 2009. Kalas died today before the Phillies' game with the Nationals in Washington.
To Laud your passion as best I can
Your loyalty is unsurpassed
Be the Fightins in first or last
We come to the park each day
Looking forward to another fray
Because we know you'll be there
We know you really care
You give the opposing pitcher fits
Because as one loyalist shouts, "Everybody hits"
To be sure in Philly, there might be some boos
Because you passionate fans, like the manager, hate to lose
Your reaction to the action on the field that you impart
Spurs us as broadcasters to call the game with enthusiasm and heart
We feel your passion through and through
Philadelphia fans, I love you.
