Harry Kalas (1936-2009)

I've been going to Phillies games with my Dad for twenty-five years and listening to Harry Kalas--the "voice" of the Philadelphia Phillies--call those games from a very young age.  Harry had a way of calling Phillies' games that resonated with Philadelphians and all baseball fans--we connected with him.  He had signature home run and strike 'call outs' that were often impersonated but never duplicated. 

That connection with Harry and the fans was strengthened during the 2008 season, an especially exciting one for the city.  After waiting almost thirty years and coming painfully close many times the Phillies won the 2008 World Series and listened to Harry Kalas call the final out of the game.  Hearing Harry announce the Phillies as World Champs is a moment that most Philadelphians won't forget.

This week, Harry Kalas died of heart disease, the number one killer in the United States.  It was reported that he had high blood pressure and suffered from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which causes plaque buildup restricts blood flow in arteries and is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. 

Just last week I wrote about a simple way to start reducing the risk of heart disease--walking.  Walking in this morning I thought maybe Harry's death could help raise awareness of heart disease and we can all start taking small steps to prevent diseases and improve our health.

Who knows when the Phillies will win another World Series--I'm confident that it will be this year--but if I have to wait another almost thirty years I want to be at that game with my kids and my Dad. 

(Photo courtesy of Wayne Sporting Goods)