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Who was Harry Kalas?
Harry Kalas was an American sportscaster who was best known for his role as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies, a position he held from 1971 until his death in 2009. He was also a voice-over narrator for NFL Films and a national football broadcaster for Westwood One radio. He was widely admired for his distinctive voice, his signature “Outta here!” home-run calls, and his passion for the game. He received many honors and awards during his career, including the Ford C. Frick Award, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Living Legend Award, and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Legacy of Excellence Award. He was also inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame in 2009.
How did Harry Kalas die?
Harry Kalas died on April 13, 2009, at the age of 73, from heart disease. He collapsed in the broadcast booth before the Phillies’ game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to the autopsy results, he had high blood pressure and suffered from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a condition in which plaque buildup restricts blood flow in the arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. According to Wikipedia, he had also been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, but it was not a factor in his death.
How did the sports world react to Harry Kalas’ death?
The news of Harry Kalas’ death shocked and saddened the sports world, especially the Phillies and their fans. The Phillies postponed their game against the Nationals and held a moment of silence in his honor. They also wore a patch with his initials on their uniforms for the rest of the season. Many of his colleagues and friends paid tribute to him, including his longtime broadcast partner Richie Ashburn, who said, “He was not only my partner, he was my friend. He was the best. I’ll miss him terribly.” The NFL Films president Steve Sabol said, “He was part of the NFL Films family. He was a great storyteller who brought the game to life. He was a true professional and a gentleman.” The president of the United States, Barack Obama, also expressed his condolences, saying, “He was a voice of the Phillies, but also a voice of the city, a voice of baseball fans everywhere. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.”
What is Harry Kalas’ legacy?
Harry Kalas left a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved and respected sportscasters of all time. He touched the lives of millions of fans with his enthusiasm, his humor, and his kindness. He was a part of many memorable moments in sports history, such as the first game at the Astrodome, the Phillies’ World Series championships in 1980 and 2008, and the 500th home run of Mike Schmidt. He also inspired many aspiring broadcasters with his style and his mentorship. He was a legend in his own right, and his voice will always be remembered as the soundtrack of baseball and football. As he once said, “I hope that I can leave a legacy of good will, good humor, and good fun.” He certainly did.
