High Hopes

Harry Kalas died today. If you are a Phillies fan, Harry Kalas is the voice of baseball for you. Richie Ashburn too (Ashburn died in 1997). It wasn't summer if you didn't - at least once - sit on your front lawn listening to a Phillies game called by one or both of these gentleman.

Harry Kalas was also famous for singing "High Hopes" Here is a video of him singing with fans at Citizins Bank Park after the Phillies won the World Series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z2FaXjYjpM&feature=related

I called Dave when I heard the news at work today. Dave said that if Harry Kalas had ever made a list of places he'd like to be when he died - in the broadcast booth would probably be on the list. That is where they found him; getting ready for today's day game with the Washington Nationals. Dave had the pleasure of meeting and spending some time with Harry Kalas about 10 years ago. Mr. Kalas was to be the keynote speaker at one of our annual meetings. My boss gave permission for Dave to attend to hear him speak. As it turned out Harry Kalas was early for the event and they needed someone to keep him company while everything was being set up and attendees registered. Dave was given that honor. He was thrilled to talk baseball (one of Dave's favorite things). He learned about Harry Kalas' early broadcast days in Hawaii.

I called my Dad too. He also loves baseball and every year predicts that the Phillies will win the world series! Dad commented that Harry Kalas was an old man. I sort of dodged that by saying "Yes, but not really". Harry Kalas was 73. Dad just turned 74. I told Dad about Dave's comment on the broadcast booth. Dad said it would have been even more poetic if he had just called the last out of a game. I thought that was a bit creepy.

So, no offense to the remaining Phillies broadcast team, but it just won't be the same for a while.