Harry Kalas

Harry Kalas (born March 26, 1936) is an American sportscaster, best known for his roles as lead play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies and as voice-over narrator for NFL Films.Born in Naperville, Illinois, Kalas graduated from Naperville High School in 1954. He later graduated from the University of Iowa in 1958.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.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. Kalas joined NFL Films in 1975, and has been there since.While initially meeting with a lukewarm reception due to his replacement of the popular Campbell, Kalas soon won the hearts of Phillies fans with his easy-going style, his mellow, baritone 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. His distinctive voice has been often called "The voice of God."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 18, 1987, when Mike Schmidt hit his 500th career home run. "Swing and a long drive, there it is, number 500! The career 500th homerun for Michael Jack Schmidt!"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.Kalas' familiar home run call is "Watch this baby!!! That ball is outta here!!!"Another classic call by Harry Kalas, via radio, was the final out by Tug McGraw as he struck out Willie Wilson in the 1980 World Series Game 6 between the Phillies and the Kansas City Royals. "65,000 on their feet here at Veterans Stadium, the Tugger needs one more!"Nicknamed "Harry the K", Kalas received the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame 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.In addition to his work with the Phillies and NFL Films, Kalas has called various sports over the years for CBS Radio and Westwood One (including the NFL, MLB, college basketball, and Notre Dame football) and lent his voice to commercials for the Campbell Soup Company and GMC Truck. Kalas also provides the recorded voice-over for much of the self-guided tour at the United States Mint in Philadelphia. MyGen Profile Generator MyGen Profile Generator MyGen Profile Generator.. width="425" height="350" ..