Andrew Kamenetzky: Vin Scully, on the passing of Harry Kalas

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Before today’s home opener at Dodger Stadium, Vin Scully spoke briefly with a few reporters about the passing of a fellow icon, Harry Kalas. The longtime Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster/NFL Films voice collapsed in the Nationals Park booth before a Phillies-Nationals game. As is often the case, Scully found some nice words in praising his colleague.

‘He had World Series rings, a Hall of Fame announcer, but he was a wonderful guy. Everybody loved Harry. I would think, of all the people in baseball to grieve, I might guess that Mike Schmidt, the Hall of Fame third baseman (would the most). I know how much he admired Harry and I know how much Harry thought of him. I think Mike, along with many other people (will be mourning). And I’m sure the city of Philadelphia has been just decimated, because they did love him completely.’

On Kalas dying while preparing to call a baseball game.
‘He did leave us doing what he loved to do: getting ready to do another ballgame.’

On Kalas as a person
‘Above all, yeah, he was a wonderful talent, but he really was a delightful guy. First and foremost.’

-- Andrew Kamenetzky

In this July 2, 2002 file photo, Philadelphia Phillies announcer Harry Kalas looks out over Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia before the start of the New York Mets-Phillies game. Kalas, who punctuated innumerable home runs with his ‘Outta Here!’ call, died Monday, April 13, 2009 after being found in the broadcast booth before a game against the Washington Nationals. He was 73. (AP Photo/George Widman)