Kalas, Dye, and Konerko: A Day Full of Highs and Lows

"We have lost our voice" Phillies president David Montgomery said in announcing the death of legendary Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas.

Less than 24 hours since he called Matt Stairs dramatic pinch-hit home run against the Colorado Rockies, Kalas was preparing to call the Phillies game against the Washington Nationals.

Fittingly, it was in the broadcast booth, where the 73 year-old Hall of Famer was found.

Kalas, the 2002 Ford C. Frick Award winner, was found by Phillies director of broadcasting Rob Brooks and was immediately taken to George Washington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He had been broadcasting Phillies games since 1971 and was known for his distinctive "outta here!" home run call.

While fans of the 2008 World Series Champs mourn the loss of Kalas, fans of the 2005 World Series Champs are celebrating.

Last month's American League Central Milestone Preview mentioned that Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko (both of the White Sox) were each two home runs away from hitting 300 for their respective careers.

What could have never been envisioned was them hitting them on the same day, in the same game...back-to-back.

But it happened in the second inning of their series opener against the Tigers, when the sluggers went yard off Detroit starter Zach Miner.

It is fitting that both men reached the historic milestone in Detroit. Dye is tied with Joe Crede for the most home runs by a visiting player at Comerica Park at 15, while Konerko is tied for fourth with Jim Thome at 12.