Philadelphia Phillies: Harry Kalas May Be “Outta Here” but His Legacy Is Forever

**This is an article I wrote after Harry Kalas passed away on April 13, 2009.**

Things certainly will not be the same in the Phillies’ press box this 2009 season; despite the following-up of a most memorable championship campaign. Philadelphia, a city which has been gifted with the greatest of voices the world has seen, now have lost quite possibly the best of them all: Harry Kalas.

Truly an icon in the booth, yet a much, much, MUCH bigger person, Kalas’ “golden” voice will truly be missed by a city that’s notorious for falling in love with its broadcasters—but Harry was different.

Harold Norbert Kalas wasn’t just the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, he was this organization. He bled Phillies red through and through in good times and in bad as we can clearly see beings that the team has celebrated two World Series titles in their 126-year history. This is the loss of a family member; he was one of us all the way through.

But, Harry was by no means just the voice, he was someone the people loved, and he loved us back and understood us better than any player ever could that’s donned those red pinstripes. Harry wasn’t one of them—he wasn’t an adopted son—he was one of us. He’s our voice of the summer and one with us and will remain so forever, truly the best ever in my heart. All we can now say is “Thank you, Harry!” You are an inspiration to all of us Philly fans, as we often see with the imitation of his signature call of, “It’s Outta Here!!” 

He’s left his mark on the city of Philadelphia and its residents forever, engraving a piece of himself into our hearts. Harry Kalas is the first thing people from everywhere think of when they hear Philadelphia Phillies. He’s the reason people sat in those blue seats at the Vet back in the day through the “dog days.” 

Kalas was as much of an icon in this organization as the signature “P” that sits above the bill of the red cap. He wasn’t supposed to go out this way, for that matter, was he really ever supposed to go out? To a kid, or any Philadelphian, he was untouchable. Absolutely bulletproof. Kalas was a man’s man. 

No matter how bad the team was, Harry was always our one constant. He was always there for the ride along with us. It wasn’t just “the voice,” but the character of the person in which it came from. The professionalism and the class in which he always conducted himself in, whether he was calling a world champion or a cellar dweller, Harry was always there, like clockwork, each and every summer for the past 39 seasons.  

Kalas will be truly missed, but will now be reunited with long-time broadcast partner, Richie “Whitey” Ashburn. An endless supply of Celebre’s Pizza and a big box of stogies will be needed for these two. “The Master of Ceremonies'” love for this city, the team and the game will never be duplicated and will always be remembered, very much so like his memorable calls from the press box. We love you, Harry!! “Harry Kalas, you are the Man!!” 

You did it all Harry! From Michael Jack to Steve to Tug to Garry to Curt to Mitch to Scott to Bobby to Jim to Billy to Ryan to Chase to Cole to Brad. We Thank You Harry!!! 

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