There will be tears in the eyes of fans Friday night as the Phillies remember legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas.
The Phillies returned to Citizens Bank Park Friday morning for the first time since Kalas died while preparing for Monday's game in Washington.
The Phillies have several plans to honor and remember Harry the K. The greatest honor might be that the first half inning of the game will be aired on Comcast Network Philadelphia with no announcer commentary to honor Kalas.
A plaque will be dedicated to officially name the Phillies TV broadcast booth at CBP the Harry Kalas Broadcast Booth, “That ball’s outta here!” A similar honor was bestowed to the radio booth in memory to Kalas' longtime broadcast partner Richie Ashburn.
All fans will get an 8x10-inch color photo of Harry when they enter CBP.
The Phillies flag out in Ashburn Alley will fly at half-mast. A video of Harry’s career will be aired on PhanaVision before the game.
Kalas' son, Kane, will sing the National Anthem and all three of Kalas' sons, Todd, Brad and Kane, will take the mound to toss the first pitches in memory of their dad.
A moment of silence will be observed before Harry’s son Kane sings the National Anthem.
Fans are encouraged to sing along, as a video of Harry the K singing “High Hopes” will show on jumbotron during the seventh-inning stretch.
The memories will spill beyond Friday night.
Throughout the seven-game homestand Kalas' signature will be painted on the field. Also, black blunting will hang in front of the Phillies radio and TV booths.
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A memorial service is planned for Saturday morning at CBP. The gates open at 8 a.m., fans can pay their respects on a first come, first serve basis. At 1 p.m., there will be an on-field tribute.
A billboard honoring Harry the K will adorn the outfield wall for the rest of the season. And, every Phillies player and coach for the rest of the season will wear an "HK" patch.
Also, for the rest of the 2009 season Harry the K's "outta here!" will play over the PA system as the faux Liberty Bell lights up and rings after every Phillies home run.
So if fans want to honor Harry the K get down to the ballpark early Friday night and show some tear-filled love.
Let's hope it will be a night filled of "outta here's!" for the entire Phillies club.
