Harry Kalas
From SoSH
Harry Norbert Kalas (b. March 26, 1936) has been a broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies since 1971.
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Broadcasting Biography
Kalas got his start as a broadcaster when he was in the Army, calling games for the AAA Hawaiian Islanders in 1961 (now known as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox). He started his major league career with the Houston Astros in 1965 before being hired to replace Bill Campbell on the Phillies' broadcasting team. When By Saam retired, Kalas teamed with Andy Musser and Richie Ashburn. He and Ashburn worked together until Ashburn's sudden passing in 1997. Kalas currently works with Chris Wheeler and Gary Matthews Sr. on television and calls the fourth inning of Phillies games on the radio.
Kalas received the 2002 Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and has been honored as the Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year 18 times. He is under contract with the Phillies through 2009.
Famous Calls
Mike Schmidt's 500th Home Run
"Swing and a long drive, there it is: number 500! The career 500th home run for Michael Jack Schmidt!"
1980 World Series
Kalas made this call after the game actually happened due to a rule at the time stating that local radio broadcasters could not call World Series games. Kalas and the other broadcasters did a recreation after the Series. After public outcry, the rule was changed for the following season.
"65,000 on their feet here at Veterans Stadium, the Tugger needs one more. [...] World champions of baseball! It's pandemonium at Veterans Stadium! All of the fans are on their feet. This city has come together behind a baseball team! Phillies are world champions! This city knows it! This city loves it!"
1993 National League Championship Series
Kalas's call of Mitch Williams's strikeout of Bill Pecota accompanied the Phillies' first pennant since 1983.
"Swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Phillies...are the '93...National League Champions!"
2007 National League East Division Clicher
Combined with the Mets' historic slide and a strong Phillies push late in the 2007 season, the Phillies were able to clinch the division and make the playoffs for the first time since 1993. Kalas was in the booth when Brett Myers struck out Wily Mo Pena to clinch the title.
"Curveball, struck him out! The Phillies are National League East Champions! Look at the scene on the field! Look at the scene in the stands! This is incredible! The Phillies are the National League East Champions and will go to the postseason for the first time since 1993! Wow!"
Harry the K Trivia
- In addition to announcing MLB and NFL games, Kalas has had the honor of narrating three straight Puppy Bowls.
- Kalas's son, Todd, works as a field reporter and studio host for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
- Calls Jimmy Rollins "J-Roll." It sounds funnier when he says it.
- In 2007, while the Phillies were in the middle of their 10,000th franchise loss, Kalas appeared in the ESPN booth with Jon Miller and Joe Morgan. Unfortunately, he did not shame the two into retiring on the spot.
