Thank You, Harry Kalas: Saying Goodbye to a Legend

How do you say goodbye to a legend?

How can one possibly honor someone who has done so much for the people of a city and the fans of one team?

The only way is to let that man's legend speak for itself and to remember every moment his unmistakable voice spoke to us.

Yesterday, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away at the age of 73; yet his passing seemed to come way too soon.

After learning of his passing, it was hard for me to believe or even comprehend the void that was left in this Phillies fan's heart, this city, and the world of baseball.

After the shock of this sad news subsided, I took the time to reflect and relive some of the great moments Harry brought to all us Phillies fans.

So now, we share our memories with each other of the man that was the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies.

We all shed a tear for someone we all knew, but might not have met. Every spring and summer for the last 38 years, Phillies fans let him into their homes and lives. He became apart of their cookouts, celebrations, holidays, and summers.

In Philadelphia, the name Harry Kalas is synonymous with Phillies baseball.

Anytime someone turned on a TV or radio to follow the Phillies, Harry was there. Yet today, for the first time since 1971, our great old friend couldn't be there, because he was assigned to a higher broadcast.

Yes, there was a baseball game today. And yes, the Phillies did win, but it was not the same. It will never be the same because, as Phillies president Dave Montgomery put it, "We lost our voice today."

The Phillies may have lost their voice, but the area and the sport lost a great man and a great ambassador.

While he is remembered as a broadcaster, Harry has contributed a lot to charities and to the people of the area.

From singing at assisted living homes during the Christmas season, to signing autographs, and even recording voice mail messages for the Phillies' Phaithful, Harry truly understood more than just baseball—he understood people.

He was one of the few broadcasters who still spent time with the players in the locker room and traveled with them during road trips.

He was a man that loved to be around those that loved the game, because it is a game he had loved since he was eight years old.

Everyone seems to have a Harry Kalas story, and we all try to emulate his famous calls and quotes like, "that ball is outta here!" and my recent favorite, "Chase Utley, you are the man!"

These are the memories we have and will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

His personality and his ability to connect with the fans is why we all call him by his first name, and why I am comfortable referring to him as Harry in this column.

So how do you say goodbye to a Legend?

Well, for this legend, you say goodbye with a great big Thank You.

So, thank you, Harry.

Thank you for your voice, your dedication, your personality, your generosity, and your outgoing spirit.

You were an inspiration to many, and an inspiration to me. You are truly missed, but never forgotten, and your legend will live on in our hearts, our minds, and throughout the airwaves.

And for one last time—

"Swing and a long drive, watch this baby, that ball is outta here!"