Harry Kalas

Harry Kalas (born March 26, 1936) is an American sportscaster, and a popular baseball broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Related Topics:
March 26 - 1936 - American - Sportscaster - Baseball - Philadelphia Phillies

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Born in Naperville, Illinois, Kalas graduated from Naperville High School in 1954. He later graduated from the University of Iowa in 1958.

Related Topics:
Naperville, Illinois - University of Iowa

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Kalas began his career in 1961 calling minor league games for the Hawaii Islanders while he was in the United States Army stationed in Hawaii.

Related Topics:
Minor league - Hawaii Islanders - United States Army - Hawaii

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Kalas made his major league debut in 1965 with the Houston Astros. He was hired by the Phillies in 1971 to replace Bill Campbell, and was the master of ceremonies at the 1971 opening of Veterans Stadium. After the retirement of By Saam, Kalas was paired with Andy Musser and Hall of Fame player Richie Ashburn.

Related Topics:
Houston Astros - Bill Campbell - Veterans Stadium - By Saam - Andy Musser - Richie Ashburn

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Although Kalas was unpopular with Phillies fans at first due to his replacement of the popular Campbell, Kalas won the hearts of Philadelphia baseball fans with his easy-going style, his mellow voice (which will rise to great excitement upon great plays on the field or Phillies' home runs, especially in key situations), his love of the game and also his accessibility to Phillies fans, for whom he professes a strong love.

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Kalas and Ashburn became beloved figures in Philadelphia, and also became best friends. They worked together for 27 seasons until Ashburn's sudden passing in 1997. Kalas made his most memorable call on April 18th, 1987, when Mike Schmidt hit his 500th career home run.

Related Topics:
Philadelphia - April 18 - 1987 - Mike Schmidt

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Harry also helped announce the ceremonial closing of Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium in 2003 and was the master of ceremonies at the ceremonial opening of Citizens Bank Park in 2004.

Related Topics:
Philadelphia - Veterans Stadium - Citizens Bank Park

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Kalas' familiar home run call is This ball is outta here!

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Nicknamed "Harry the K", Kalas received the Ford C. Frick Award for his outstanding career in 2002. He also has a bi-level restaurant, "Harry the K's", named for him at Citizens Bank Park, which was built into the base of the main scoreboard.

Related Topics:
Ford C. Frick Award - Citizens Bank Park

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In addition to baseball, Kalas calls National Football League games for CBS radio, has done voice work for NFL Films and advertisements for the Campbell Soup Company and GMC Truck. Kalas also provides the recorded voice-over for much of the self-guided tour at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.

Related Topics:
National Football League - CBS - NFL Films - Campbell Soup Company - GMC Truck - U.S. Mint

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