Phils broadcaster Kalas passes away
Longtime announcer collapses before Monday's game
04/13/09 1:40 PM ET
WASHINGTON -- Longtime Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas died at 1:20 p.m. ET on Monday, shortly after collapsing in the team's broadcast booth before the series opener against the Nationals.
"We lost Harry. I've been 39 years with the Phillies and 39 years with Harry and, as I said in this clubhouse, we lost our voice today," said team president and CEO David Montgomery at about 1:50 p.m. outside the team's clubhouse. "He has loved our game and made just a tremendous contribution to our sport and certainly to our organization."
The 73-year old Kalas was found in the team's broadcast booth around 12:30 p.m. and was taken to George Washington University Medical Center. Team officials quickly cleared the locker room and talked with the Phillies.
Montgomery said he didn't know the exact cause of death.
"I know that when they took him away that they were very concerned," he said.
Kalas had been the team's broadcaster for the past 38 years. Prior to that, he was a member of the Houston Astros' broadcast team from 1965-70. He was inducted into the broadcaster's wing of the Hall of Fame in 2002 and received the 2002 Ford C. Frick Award.
Montgomery said Monday's game would be played, but that the Phillies were going to reach out to the White House and pass up Tuesday's scheduled trip there.
Longtime announcer collapses before Monday's game
04/13/09 1:40 PM ET
WASHINGTON -- Longtime Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas died at 1:20 p.m. ET on Monday, shortly after collapsing in the team's broadcast booth before the series opener against the Nationals.
"We lost Harry. I've been 39 years with the Phillies and 39 years with Harry and, as I said in this clubhouse, we lost our voice today," said team president and CEO David Montgomery at about 1:50 p.m. outside the team's clubhouse. "He has loved our game and made just a tremendous contribution to our sport and certainly to our organization."
The 73-year old Kalas was found in the team's broadcast booth around 12:30 p.m. and was taken to George Washington University Medical Center. Team officials quickly cleared the locker room and talked with the Phillies.
Montgomery said he didn't know the exact cause of death.
"I know that when they took him away that they were very concerned," he said.
Kalas had been the team's broadcaster for the past 38 years. Prior to that, he was a member of the Houston Astros' broadcast team from 1965-70. He was inducted into the broadcaster's wing of the Hall of Fame in 2002 and received the 2002 Ford C. Frick Award.
Montgomery said Monday's game would be played, but that the Phillies were going to reach out to the White House and pass up Tuesday's scheduled trip there.
