Just as a prelude to this post, I would just like to inform you all that I was planning on writing an Easter post. However, when the tragic news broke from Washington, I had to write about this. We are nearing 1500 views and as you all know, that means Jack will be posting. Most of the dry humor usually put into my blog posts will be all but out, at least in the Kalas section, just out of respect for Harry.
Onto the horrific news that cast a shadow over the whole Southeastern Pennsylvania region: the death of Harry Kalas. While the athletes come and go, broadcasters make a home in their cities. That is exactly what Harry Kalas did. He crossed four decades here in Philadelphia, making genuine friends out of every single person who ever watched a Phillies game. Not only did he go through decades, he was the voice for three generations of Phillies Phans. My grandfather, Jeffrey J. and I are all stunned at the loss and feel as if we lost someone special. For nearly every Philadelphian, he was a family member. People opened up their homes to him on a nightly basis. Thus, all of us feel as if we have lost a family member. In the broadcasting field he was rivaled by few, yet respected and beloved by all.
All of us have our favorite Kalas moments. I, unfortunately, was not there to witness and hear his calls of the '80, '83, and '93 teams or hear him call a game with his great friend Whitey. It was fitting that Kalas's last season ended in a world championship for the Phillies, his call of which was phenomenal, still sending chills down my back. The fact that the call does not even break my top 3 Kalas moments is a prime example of the exuberance that he displayed day-in and day-out dealing with the game of baseball. Whether it was in the dog days of July and August or a World Series game, Harry brought with him a fresh, fun outlook on the game that goes unrivaled across the sport. My personal top 3 Kalas moments are probably different from most, if not all, of you.
3. With Chase Utley on second base, Ryan Howard hit a high chopper down the first baseline. Howard was thrown out but Utley's all-out hustle allowed him to score. What followed from Harry was classic: "Chase Utley, you are the man!!!"
2. Last season, with the Phillies down 5 to 4 in the 10th inning to the Giants, Pat Burrell stepped up to the plate to face Giants closer Brian Wilson. He ended up hitting a walk-off, to which Harry gave his "Long Drive! Watch this baby, outta here! Walk-off home run, Pat Burrell!"
1. Although the Phillies ended up losing in the first round to the Rockies, the fact that they made the playoffs in 2007 was a great memory, just to know that they got there. Harry topped this off with a rendition of "High Hopes" for the ages.
I first heard this news from Omar, who interestingly enough has the best Kalas call I know with his "LOOOOOOONG DRIVE!! THIS ONE IS OUTTAAAA HERE!!! HOME RUN BOBBY ABRAY-HU!!!" (Emphasis on the -HU, just like Harry did it.)
The Phillies season, according to Mark Kram (whose name is the same forwards and backwards, isn't that super cool?), went from sweet, with the ring presentation, to bitter, with the death of Harry Kalas. The beautiful thing about baseball is that we keep playing, but we never forget the touching life of this inspirational figure. He will surely be missed, and may he rest in peace.
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I do have to give a big shoutout to my boy, Davy Gross, for writing up an article about the blog in the Panther Press, the school paper. The support and publicity is greatly appreciated Davy, keep up the good work.
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It is once again playoff time in Philadelphia, with the Flyers entering Stanley Cup Playoffs as the 5 seed. This of course means it is time for the Sobel Soup to grow his world-famous playoff beard. This tradition started last year, when I promised not to shave until the Flyers were out. I grew close to what growth Sidney Crosby had on his face last year. Jeffrey J. unfortunately made me shave it off before the Pittsburgh series. Of course they lost that series. For the Phillies, however, they ended up winning the World Series without me shaving. I am back to do it for the Fly-guys, and I promise, no shaving. I will keep you all updated on the status of the playoff beard/stache. For all of your sakes, you should hope the Flyers make it all the way to the finals, so I can look like a full out baller.
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I again have to bypass the video requests for this week to make way for the legend that passed on today. Harry, you will always be missed and never be forgotten. I apologize for the quality of the video, but it is too good to pass up.
Always Serving,
Sobel Soup
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