San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies - Citizens Bank Ballpark - Philadelphia, PA

Harry Kalas was not the voice of God, that was John Facenda on NFL Films.


Harry the K did replace John Facenda on NFL films following Facenda's death. Facenda was originally from Havertown, PA and attended Villanova University which made him a Philadelphia native. HK was born in Illinois, but Harry Kalas WAS Philadelphia. Sadly, Harry joined the Voice of God in heaven earlier this week. There are and were announcers more well-known than HK like Harry Caray and Vin Scully but they broadcast for teams that are loved among casual and dedicated fans alike. Harry worked in Philadelphia, a city that is collectively disliked by the sports world - especially the media. While teams like the Red Sox and Steelers and Yankees and Mets and Cowboys among others have prominent members of the media who clearly favor them, there are few if any Philadelphia homers. Harry Kalas called the 2008 World Series which Sports Illustrated and ESPN bemoaned that no one was watching.

Phillies fans were watching.

I was watching.

Sadly, Harry Kalas will no longer be around to provide Phillies fans with memories like this one.



With a heavy heart, I returned to Citizens Bank Ballpark to watch the Phillies take on the San Diego Padres. The first game I attended following Harry's death. Due to the vagaries of work, school, and computers, this was only the 2nd game aside from the nationally televised Opening Day I was able to listen to or watch. A memorial had been created for Harry at the Mike Schmidt statue in front of the stadium. A multitude of fans left notes and mementos in rememberance of the man who had called Phillies games for the last 25+ years. My Phillies fanhood ranges from childhood, but my dedication to the Phillies has only hit a fever pitch within the past 5 years due to living among several Phillies fans. However, I was still shocked and saddened when I read of Harry's death. I have spent many evenings since moving to New Jersey listening to the Phillies via mlb.com's radio package. Welcoming Harry into my home during the 4th inning of home games the past two summers brought the excitement and joy of the past two seasons straight to me. I will definitely miss him and his trademark 'Outta Here!' as the Phillies defend their World Championships this season.

Hopefully, Chase Utley and the Phils will continue to make memories like this one.

Outta Here!
We'll Always Miss You, Harry!