A Goodbye Letter to Harry Kalas
Dear Harry,
I miss you already. You left us way too early. If you lived another 25 years, I would have said the same thing. I just wanted you to know how much you have been a part of so many people’s lives, and how you will always be remembered for your love of the game, your lively personality, and, of course, your one-of-a-kind voice that was able to capture every emotion we fans were feeling.
Rest in peace, Harry. You will be missed.
You were the voice of multiple generations of Phillies fans. Yeah, I know you were also a big contributor to NFL, but your legacy will always be about what you gave to baseball and its fans. There were many times, Harry, when I went to Veterans Stadium or Citizens Bank Park and made it a point to bring my Walkman with me. Because watching the game live was never good enough when I knew I could also be guided through the innings by your timely comments, or to just hear you deliver your signature “Outta Here!” when one of the guys knocked one out.
When I was unable to watch the game and had to make a drive longer than five minutes, I didn’t panic because I knew you’d be keeping me up to speed on the radio. And you know something? I sometimes took longer than I should have getting to where I needed to be because I wasn’t concerned about rushing – hearing the play-by-play from you was always enough.
You loved everyone – the players, the fans, your colleagues – and we all loved you back. I know you are watching above as so many of us are trying to cope, and while the rest of the world tries to understand how we can be so attached to your personality and your voice. I’ve reached out to so many people today, and have heard from dozens more because we are all unbelievably saddened by your abrupt departure.
I’m trying to take solace in the fact that you left us doing what you loved. I’m incredibly happy that I got to share the 2008 season and to have had you along for each step of the journey, and it’s something that I will never forget. Your call of the final out of the World Series will be forever etched into my memory, along with so many other great Phillie moments.
Many people in life are lucky to have two grandfathers. But, like many other Delaware Valley natives of my generation, but I can honestly say that I feel I was lucky enough to have three. You were a part of so many people’s families, and were always welcome in our living rooms. We needed you there – to help us enjoy the highs and to help us remain optimistic through the lows. Your enthusiasm was as evident as it was contagious, and we knew you were truly one of us, a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Your voice was incredibly comforting, exciting, heartfelt, and everything that any of us could have ever asked for. But your gift was bringing people closer together through the experiences you shared with them and, ultimately, that is the real reason that you will never be forgotten.
Say hello to Whitey for us, and may you rest in peace.
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Reader Comments
Well said. Harry will truly be missed. Phillies games just won’t be the same. I’m glad he was able to leave us as a champion and I too will always remember his voice as he excitedly announced our fightin Phils winning it all last year. RIP Harry. You made Phillies games an unforgettable experience.
We have possibly lost the greatest Phillie that has ever lived! There is nothing that can be said about what Harry Kalas has done for Philllies fans everywhere. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. R.I.P. Harry the K.
Well said! We had something special here in Philly that so many other towns just don’t understand and never have experienced. I can’t tell you how many times I put the TV on mute and turned the radio up so I could listen to Harry call the game. I’m glad he got to watch the Phils finally win the series (again) after decades of calling what were many times, quite frankly, pretty pathetic seasons–seasons in which he still remained, and thus kept us, optimistic. We’ll miss you Harry; you were the soundtrack to our summers, and Phillies games will never be the same. Rest in Peace!
I spent most of last night watching Comcast Sportsnet, remembering Harry and shedding a few tears. He was the best, hands down. I never turned off a CSN broadcast until I heard Harry say, “Good Night Everyone”, to which I replied (out loud), “Good Night Harry”. Harry made it “doable” to stick with the Phils for many lean years. Is it any coincidence that I saved the last page of my “Phillies Phamily” scrapbook for Harry, a book which spans over 30 years worth of memories?
But, how happy I am that Harry not only left this life doing what he loved best, but also provided the playcalling for last year’s awesome World Series, and threw out the first pitch for the ring ceremony. If we could all be as passionate about our work as Harry, we’d be on “Cloud Nine”, probably where Harry’s new home will be! You will be missed, Harry, but the memories live on, and I’m glad I introduced you to my family many years ago.
I remember thinking several years ago how Harry deserved another championship for all the lousy phillies teams he had to sit through. I thought we would never see a championship in this city anytime soon. Little did I know that Harry would not only get another one, but it would be his last one. I too had my little transistor radio tucked under my pillow. I remember vividly Harry telling me about the fearsome Willie Stargell stepping up to the plate against Lefty or Tom Seaver going up against Schmitty. Its surreal thinking back on it, and now that person is no longer here. I feel like when I pass on, I know I will see Harry along with the rest of my family and I can tell them all how much they meant to me. Thanks Harry for shaping my childhood and for being part of the family.