Harry Kalas: 1936-2009

“Swing...and a long drive, watch this baby, outta here! Home run!”

For the past 38 seasons, that’s what you would hear after every Phillies home run from the mouth of the greatest voice in Philadelphia sports history.

Harry Kalas was more than just a broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was “The Voice.”

That fateful call was said one more time on Sunday. In the top of the 9th, Matt Stairs stepped up to the plate and delivered the final shot Harry the K would ever call, a 2-run go ahead homer versus the Rockies.

Born Harold Norbert Kalas in Illinois in 1936, he began his announcing career for a Hawaiian minor league ball club. He made his major league debut in 1965 with the Houston Astros.

He was hired by the Phillies in 1971 to replace Bill Campbell. After the retirement of By Saam, Kalas was paired with Andy Musser and Hall of Fame Phillies great, Richie Ashburn. Kalas joined NFL Films and 1975 and has been working with them until his death.

Known as “Harry and Whitey,” the duo of Kalas and Ashburn would stay together for 27 years until Ashburn passed away in 1997. Kalas would still mourn the death of his best friend every day.

Kalas was best known for his amazing voice. He had such a warm presence about him with his deep and tender voice that would swell with excitement whenever game play would reach its peak. His home run calls were outstanding and his emotion shown painted the perfect picture for anyone and everyone listening.

Yet simple, it wasn’t just a home run call that people will forever miss.

“65,000 plus on their feet here at Veterans Stadium. The
Tugger needs one more...Swing and a miss! Yes, he struck him out! Yes, they did
it! The Phillies are World Champions!”

And 28 years later, he got to call the pitch that ended the Phillies 28-year drought and relieved a city that ached for a championship for 25 years.

“Fans on their feet; rally towels are being waved. Brad Lidge stretches. The 0-2
pitch… Swing and a miss, struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008
World Champions of baseball!”

His last call came Sunday when Chase Utley fielded the final out in the Phillies 7-5 win.

“Bouncing ball to Chase Utley, this should be the game, Chase throws him out and
that will be it as the Phil's win 2 out of 3 here at Coors Field, coming back to
take this one by a score of 7 to 5."

Some of his greatest achievements include calling two World Championships, the opening of both Veterans Stadium in 1971 and Citizens Bank Park in 2004, and being elected to the baseball Hall of Fame in 2002, also winning the Ford C. Frick Award.

Kalas also had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch April 8 before the Phillies World Series ring ceremony. Decked in a red sports coat, Kalas called his last home game later that day.

Kalas was the voice of Philadelphia. Now his voice will just me a memory as every time we see a Phillie hit the long ball, “It’s outta here,” will ring in our years forever.