VOX GRAVITAS - Harry Kalas

My roots are in broadcasting, and that compels me to post on the death of Phillies announcer Harry Kalas. What a set of pipes! …a most distinctive delivery.

He died in DC on Monday in the broadcast booth preparing for a Phillies/Nationals game. He was 73.

You may not recognize his name, but you are undoubtedly familiar with his work. Mr. Kalas was also the voice of NFL films. If you watch NFL slow-mo highlights - with the audio turned off - you will still hear his voice in your head! He was the soundtrack of the NFL.

My cousin, Bob Giannini, a Philly sports junkie, shares this story. It almost eclipses Mr. Kalas’ MLB and NFL renown:

Harry was so good that if you wanted him to announce your reception entrance at your wedding, he would do it. All you had to do was call him and ask. Of course, he would send a recording, but it was like having him there. And he would do it gratis. That's how good he was and one reason he was so loved by the Phillie fans.

Click here for a story from our web site (wralsportsfan.com), and listen to the poignant radio interview he did on 99.9fm The Fan during the 2008 World Series.

Our condolences to his family, especially to his son Todd, a broadcaster for our Tampa Bay Rays.