The Phillies have lost their voice

I love the Phillies, I don't hide that, Harry Kalas didn't either. Harry Kalas to those who may be unaware was (and forever in my mind will be) the voice of the Phillies. Since 1971 Harry has been as much a part of he phillies as Schmidt, McGraw, Dykstra, and Schilling are, if not more. I didn't get to hear him call Schmidt's 500th home run or the 80' world series, as both event's happened before I was born. So many of my memories of Harry only occurred over the past few years when I could hear him over the internet. Sitting at my desk late at night while I was going through AIT when I could hear him call the games gave me a sense of connection to the outside world which I had become so detached from. Harry's voice had become something that helped me get through a stressful time in my life and hearing him get excited over a long drive from Ryan Howard put a broad smile across my face, hearing his enthusiasm for the game brought me back to when I was a kid during a hot summer day when we would play ball during summer camp. Getting to hear him call the '08 series is something I'll always remember as it is my favorite sports memory. The pure love of the game, and most important his love of the phillies is why he's going to go down as the most beloved figure in philly sports.

"One strike away; nothing-and-two, the count to Hinske. Fans on the their feet; rally towels are being waved. Brad Lidge stretches. The 0-2 pitch — swing and a miss, struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! Brad Lidge does it again, and stays perfect for the 2008 season! 48-for-48 in save opportunities, and watch the city celebrate! Don't let the 48-hour wait diminish the euphoria of this moment, and the celebration. And it has been 28 years since the Phillies have enjoyed a World Championship; 25 years in this city with a team that has enjoyed a World Championship, and the fans are ready to celebrate. What a night!"

Those words are to me harry's most enduring and memorable call. He will be missed deeply.