Harry Kalas, Former Philadelphia Phillies Sportscaster, Found Dead

Harry Kalas, the longtime sportscaster who covered the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball, passed away at the age of 73 this morning. He was scheduled to call the game against the Washington Nationals. This morning's game was the Nationals' home opener.

Kalas was rushed to the George Washington University hospital, and was pronounced dead this afternoon.

Kalas was one of the most memorable sportscasters ever to broadcast the game. He was not afraid to share his true thoughts on the Phillies organization, and addressed some of the fan's discontent with the team, at certain times. Though he began his sportscasting career with the Houston Astros, he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1971.

I have personally followed the Phillies for a few years, and Kalas had his share of memorable calls and sayings. The call that I found most memorable from Kalas was the one he made after the Philadelphia Phillies won the 2008 World Series.

"The Philadelphia Phillies are the 2008 World Champions of Baseball!" he exclaimed. The MLB network used this call in one of their commercials for the 2009 season. It was extremely memorable and completely captured the moment-I am always going to remember that call and Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge throwing his arms up in the air in disbelief.

Kalas came off as very enthusiastic-he truly loved the Philadelphia Phillies, the players, and the fans. He was great to listen to when the Philadelphia Phillies made their World Series run last season.

On April 18, 1987, Kalas had the great opportunity to call slugger Mike Schmidt's 500th home run. It was a great opportunity for him to be able to witness and call it, and it is a call that many Phillies fans will certainly remember for their entire lives. For Schmidt, it was easily one of his greatest accomplishments ever, so I'm sure that Kalas' call had a profound impact on him as well.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090413&content_id=4249036&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb