More Than a Voice (515 hits)
Category: SportsRating: 0.91 on 22 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by kitchens_closed (View user info) at 2009-04-13 15:19:43 EDT
Watching baseball isn't quite like watching football, basketball, or even soccer. There's no time limit. When you combine that with pitching changes, long at-bats and extra innings, watching this game can seem like a chore for those who aren't dedicated fans of the game or a particular team.
Fortunately for anyone who has followed the Philadelphia Phillies for the past 30+ years, there was a man named Harry Kalas calling the games. Watching the game may have been frustrating at times, but listening to Kalas speak has always been a privilege.
He didn't have the most extensive vocabulary, but he was blessed with vocal chords that other play-by-play broadcasters would kill for. He always spoke with grace and soothing candor, never resorting to annoying bullshit such as "You've gotta be kidding me!!!" or "holy cow!"
I watch a lot of sports telecasts and won't go as far as to say Harry Kalas was the all-time best, but he was without question my favorite announcer in any sport, ever. He is a legend who, like fine wine, only got better with age.
People are entitled to their own opinions, but I'll take "Well hit...could it be...outta heeeere!" over "Whoooaaa Yankees win, You can put it on the board and Cubs win!" any day of the week. Sports fans who haven't been fortunate enough to hear him call a game or even appear as a voice over in a commercial, I truly feel sorry for.
Watching the Phillies play won't be the same for quite some time.
Harold Norbert "Harry" Kalas: March 26, 1936 - April 13, 2009
User Reviews
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2009-04-27 12:36:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
sad day for baseball.
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2009-04-27 12:12:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
He also did the NFL films. He had a very distinct voice.
Now quit being a fag or I'll sumo punch your life out.
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2009-04-16 00:28:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: -1
ISN'T HE THAT 'TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME' GUY FROM CHICAGO??
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2009-04-14 13:32:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
R.I.P. Harry.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2009-04-14 08:09:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
A sad week for baseball fans everywhere.
Submitted by johnny.b.dumb (user info) at 2009-04-14 07:46:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
couldn't care less.
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2009-04-14 06:22:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: -1
No Candles.
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2009-04-13 23:54:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by Ducky (user info) at 2009-04-13 22:47:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by DonkeyOnTheEdge (user info) at 2009-04-13 20:40:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
+2 for Harry
-1 Phillies suck
And...he...is...outta heeeeeeeeere.
Too soon?
Submitted by kitchens_closed (user info) at 2009-04-13 16:24:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Well said, Sacrilicious. I created the name of this post with those who were familiar with HK in mind. I wasn't trying to get hits, just pay tribute and illicit comments like the one you left. Don't cry--he got to call the Phils' WS title last year, saw them get their rings AND he was 73. We just have to get used to not hearing him.
Submitted by Judgement (user info) at 2009-04-13 16:15:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
No Comment
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2009-04-13 16:14:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
He didn't have the most extensive vocabulary
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somewhat of a disadvantage for a commentator
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2009-04-13 16:13:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I hoped by the title this would be about Harry Kalas.
He was THE sound of my childhood summers, and as he got up there in age I've often said today would be a sad, sad day.
I was lucky enough to be at CBP to see the Phils win the series, but even so I had to replay clips just so i could hear his reaction.
I actually cried when I heard. RIP, Harry. The Phils games will never sound the same. YOU ARE OUTTA HERE!!!
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2009-04-13 15:56:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Inappropriate use of 'this post made me smile'. I missed the bit about him passing away. sorry about that.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2009-04-13 15:53:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
http://www.ubersite.com/m/121839#2884023
========
Hahahahahahahahaha.
This website never fails to deliver.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2009-04-13 15:34:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: -1
Just for the sake of it. Gaylord.
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2009-04-13 15:26:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I have never seen a baseball game. I out right refuse to until one day I am in America and can watch it in a stadium and eat those terrible hot dogs you have. You are allowed beer right? I am fine with long winded games, I'm a cricket fan. Give me sun, beer and snacks and I'm happy.
This post made me smile.
Ta.
Submitted by Dimebenda (user info) at 2009-04-13 15:26:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
R.I.P. Harry
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2009-04-13 15:24:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
isn't baseball game just an excuse to eat corn dogs and have fathers pretend they like taking their children (from there ex wife) out for the day?
Submitted by SgtHartman (user info) at 2009-04-13 15:21:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
RIP H.K.
Submitted by The_Drake (user info) at 2009-04-13 15:21:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
If you say so....