Harold Norbert “Harry” Kalas

1936-2009

Legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas collapsed in the press box at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, just hours before the 3:05 p.m. start time of the Washington Nationals’ home opener against the Phillies.   He was taken to George Washington University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:20 p.m. EDT.

Kalas had complained of breathing problems in the weeks prior to his death but he was still calling games right up until the end.  His last game was the Phillies vs Rockies game on Sunday.

The 73 year old became a Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster in 1971 and was honored in 2002 with the Baseball Hall of Fame Ford C. Fisk Award for his contributions to the team.  The restaurant built into the base of the main scoreboard at Citizens Bank Park is named Harry the K’s, in his honor.

Phillies team president David Montgomery said, ” We lost our voice today.  He has loved our game and made just a tremendous contribution to our sport and certainly our organization.

He invited baseball fans to “watch this baby” and his favorite home run response was “Otta Here!”

Check out more photos and video below.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PACgJc7xejg[/youtube]

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