remembering a great man
Last Monday I heard the horrible news that Harry Kalas had collapsed before a Nationals game and died at the young age of 73.  To say I was shocked would be an understatement.<br /><br />Here's a man that dedicated most of his life to the city of Philadelphia -a city he truly admired and considered home- and here's a man that has quite possibly the best voice I have ever heard.<br /><br />The sound of his voice alone should be enough proof the guy had talent, but another thing I always admired about Harry Kalas is the way he calls the game right down the middle, and even though you know he wants the Phillies to win because of the emotion and sincerity in his voice, he always had a ton of respect for the teams the Phillies were facing.<br /><br />I absolutely loved the way he would focus on the game itself and not jump off-topic suddenly talking about things unrelated to the game itself.  There needs to be more baseball announcers out there who are like that today.  When the announcers pay attention to the game and show emotion and excitement, the viewers do as well, and that's why Phillies games were never boring when Harry was calling them.<br /><br />Every Saturday summer night for the last 15 years, it's been great to come inside after a swim in my backyard pool or a game of horseshoes and turn on Phillies baseball at 7 pm (and sometimes Friday nights as well).  Of course Sunday is considered the biggest day of the week for baseball (the day we always see the Phillies and the other 29 teams play unless there's a rain delay or something).<br /><br />Today was the first Sunday I didn't hear Harry's magnificent voice and it was hard not to think about Harry while the game was going on.  The guy who has replaced Harry Kalas (Tom McCarthy) did a great job, but I think even he was aware that people at home were missing Harry Kalas.  It was just a tough game this afternoon for the announcers and players alike.<br /><br />For the Phillies to come back in the bottom of the 9th this afternoon and win the game in dramatic fashion with a 2-point homerun was amazing, and just shows how great the Phillies are, and why we should give them all the support in the world.<br /><br />But nothing, NOTHING will ever beat the sound of Harry Kalas' voice during the final play of the World Series last year.  Listening to the sound of his voice as he made the final call to end the game, I could sense a sigh of relief in his voice, and a hint of emotion so strong that it sounded like happy tears coming from Harry's true feelings.  What a great moment for him to see the team he supported since 1971 win another world championship.<br /><br />I apologize for not talking more about this product, but you should know anything that has Harry Kalas' name connected to it, it's going to be nothing but quality from start to finish.  Rest in peace Harry Kalas, you will be loved in Philadelphia for a very long time, that's a fact.
Rating: 5 stars