RIP Harry Kalas: 1936-2009

One of the voices of my youth died today...

Harry Kalas, the Phillies' Hall of Fame announcer, died at 1:20 p.m. today, the Phillies announced.

Mr. Kalas collapsed in the press box at Nationals Stadium in Washington at about 12:30 p.m. and was rushed to George Washington University Medial Center.

The cause of the death was not announced. Today's game against the Nationals will be played, but the team will not visit the White House tomorrow.

To say that Harry Kalas was the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies is to shamefully understate the signifigance of the man. He was the voice of the city and the region itself. He was truly a treasure.

From a personal standpoint, his was the only voice I'll ever be comfortable hearing call a baseball game, no matter who's playing.

Thank God he got to call one more Phillies world championship before he passed.

God bless you, Harry. Thank you for everything you gave us...
- posted by Brian @ 2:40 PM