It’s hard to believe but one year ago Tuesday Philadelphia sports fans lost our “Voice.”
Harry Kalas the Phillies play-by-play broadcaster for nearly four decades died doing what he loved (preparing for a baseball game) on April 13, 2009.
“We have lost our voice.” Phillies President David Montgomery’s voice cracked as he officially announced that Kalas had died.
Harry left a void that could never be filled but baseball always endures and so it did that day.
It was tough for the Phillies but they did exactly what the Hall-of-Fame broadcaster would have wanted them to do -- they played. And Kalas’ beloved Phightins beat the Nationals 9-8.
One year later that shocking Monday afternoon feels just like yesterday.
HK’s death sent shock waves up I-95 to Philadelphia and beyond. It made national headlines on sports broadcasts and newspapers and teams around baseball honored him with moments of silence.
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In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
Kalas was more than just a baseball voice. He called play-by-play for NFL games on Westwood One and he was the voice of NFL Films.
Kalas’ death hit the City of Brotherly Love and the surrounding suburbs the hardest. No more hot summer afternoon’s with Harry’s velvety voice booming from the stereo, no more “It’s outta here” letting fans know when the Phils went yard and no more parents teaching their children the game through a uniting voice.
The Phillies continued to honor Kalas by wearing “HK” on their uniforms throughout the season, we sing “High Hopes” after Phillies’ wins and the team even honored him by celebrating at his outfield billboard after they clinched the National League pennant.
It might be a year since heart disease took Harry but we will never lose him in our hearts.
