MEMORIES OF HARRY KALAS

_ Today is exactly 10 years since the great Harry Kalas died. Kalas was a longtime baseball play-by-play announcer for the Phillies, 39 years to be exact.

Harry, along with his color partner Richie Ashburn, made my summer son TV and radio when I was growing up. Harry's voice had a relaxing, smooth feel to it, like he was an old friend. I always felt better, even after a rough day, when I listened to Harry.

Harry was in Washington, getting ready to do a day game as the Phils faced the Nationals, when he was taken ill and they rushed him to the hospital. He had a heart attack and died right in the booth, getting ready to do something he loved to do- call a baseball game.

I was at work when I found out. It was one of those "flashbulb" memories, where you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news. I was wheeling down the hall on the sixth floor at work when a nurse passed by and abruptly said ,"Did you hear the news? Harry Kalas just died. Heart attack."

I was lucky to meet harry one time, in the bowels of old Veterans Stadium, as he was walking somewhere during his break between innings. He was a nice guy, as most fans thought, the kind of guy you would love to have a beer with and talk Phillies baseball.

Luckily, Harry was alive to call the final out when the Phillies won the World Championship. He wasn't allowed to call the 1980 World series because of some stupid policy baseball had back then, not allowing local broadcasters to do World Series games. But he and Richie did do the thrilling National League Championship Series against Houston.

Funny, you listen to hundreds, maybe thousands of ball games during an announcer's career but never really appreciate how brilliant he is until his microphone goes silent. That's how most Philadelphia fans felt when Harry passed away. We wanted more yet we were grateful for what we had.

Now, a restaurant sits in left field of Citizens Bank Park called "Harry the K's" in honor of Harry, and a bronze statue stands just inside the ballpark gates honoring Harry. Every time I go to a game I would to wheel by, touch the statue and think of Harry.

Rest in Peace, Harry. It's spring and I'm sure you and Ritchie have a night game to call tonight in heaven....