A City in Mourning: Remembering Harry Kalas

This ball is outtttta here! Home run, Ryyyyan Howard!

Harry Kalas, known by many and recognized by all of Philadelphia. Harry’s unmistakable voice guided us through countless seasons of Philadelphia baseball, including the road to the 2008 World Series. No Philadelphian can think of the World Series win without Harry’s voice in the background, saying his famous quotes as part of Kevin Rudolf’s “Let it Rock” remix for the 2008 World Champs. The song came blaring over Q102, with Harry’s voice in between verses saying “WORLD CHAMPS, THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES!”

Harry passed away unexpectedly on April 13, and Philadelphia was in shock.

You can’t just forget the man you basically grew up watching the Phillies with, hearing his voice every single game. If a Phillies game was on ESPN, you’d be lost and wonder why you weren’t enjoying the game as much. Then you’d realize: Harry isn’t announcing, and the game just isn’t the same.

Huge Phillies fans like me, which is basically everyone that lives in Philadelphia, won’t know what to do when the next game comes on. I’ll be lost for words, wondering where my hero went and how our city will react. It may not be that big outside of Philadelphia, but we’ve lost an announcer, a hero, a friend, and a family member. We Philadelphians have lost our voice, and he’s connected with all of us.

I couldn’t even bare watching SportsCenter today, and couldn’t believe the words coming out of Chris McKendry’s mouth. I don’t know how Philly will handle this, but I can’t imagine they will handle it well. Watching the Phils without him Harry is unimaginable.

I walked through the mall after I heard the news, and the look on everyone’s faces was undeniable. I couldn’t even breathe for a good 10 seconds, and grabbed a table for support. It’s hard to grasp the fact that your role model is gone.

When I was little, I used to think Harry and my dad were best friends. Everything my dad would say, Harry said two seconds later. Then I realized, Harry is just like all of us, and that’s why we adore him. He couldn’t be more of a Philadelphian, except that he had to be more polite after we lost a game because he was on air. His attitude and voice brings a smile to Philadelphia’s faces, and he will always be remembered.

I clearly remember saying, right after the World Series, “When this man dies, I will cry.” Sadly, this has come way too soon.