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Harry Kalas goes out with a storybook ending
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Yesterday was a beautiful day. Easter is a holiday based on rebirth and resurrection. Over time this led to the fertile rabbit and the coloring of eggs. Unfortunately on the day after, we must realize the passing of someone’s life.
On the national scale, Harry Kalas served as the voice of the defending World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies. A role he had since 1971. He was also the voice of NFL Films, after the passing of “the voice of God” John Facenda. Kalas was a broadcasting icon mentioned in the same breath as Harry Caray, Vin Scully, Jack Buck, and Chick Hearn.
Harry Kalas got his broadcasting start while in the US Army stationed in Honolulu back in 1961. He was one of the first broadcasters for the Hawaii Islanders minor league baseball team. This team had a huge following in the ‘60s and early ‘70s playing at old Honolulu Stadium. Even then, in his 20s, veteran local broadcaster Don Robbs said he had that deep voice and the talent just kept getting better and better.
He broadcasted some high school games as well with KGU Radio. These were the times when high school football dominated the sports scene with sell-out crowds and the Thanksgiving Day doubleheaders.
He was described as someone very down to earth. I can imagine him fitting in very well in Honolulu.
There is a saying, or something similar to it, that someone who has done something for a very long time and enjoys doing it would want to die doing that same job.
Harry Kalas collapsed today in the broadcast booth at the Washington Nationals home field, preparing for this afternoon’s game.
That is the end of this story.
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