By: Steve Johnson
"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball!" said the late, great, Harry Kalas, just 6 months before his eventual death. It was like the sand in his hour glass of life would not run out until he made that call. The call announcing that after 25 years, Philadelphians were finally champions. I remember that call like it was yesterday falling to my knees, tears rolling down my face, my phone ringing off the hook. That's the type of impact Harry Kalas made on people. He was a Philadelphia sports legend that never had to tie his cleats or put on a jersey. Like many others in the greater Philadelphia area, Harry Kalas taught me the game of baseball. For years, his classic "That ball is outa hereeee" and "struck em' out" lines made watching Phillies games that much better. It's hard to believe it's been two years since he's passed. Now that the Phillies are finally something to cheer about, the voice of the Phillies is gone. It's a shame he isn't able to call these games. He would have loved this team. Even with the pitchers the Phightins have, that "struck em' out" line would never get old coming out of HK's mouth. The man was not only beloved by the fans, but the players as well. Never have I heard of a member of the media ever allowed to fly with the players. An exception was made for Harry, because people just loved being around him. Harry was one of a kind, never replaceable, never forgotten. Keep on watching these games, making you're great calls. Rest in peace Harry. You sure are missed.
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