Another honor for Kalas

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies

Legendary Hall of Fame announcer Harry Kalas, who broadcast Phillies baseball for 39 years before his death last month, will be inducted posthumously into the team’s Wall of Fame on Friday night, August 7, at Citizens Bank Park.

“When we started the Wall of Fame in 1978, the intent was to honor the great players in our history,” explained President David Montgomery. “We believe it is fitting to make an exception because Harry deserves to be remembered along with some of the greatest names in our history. He is indeed a Phillies icon.

“Being a Wall of Famer is our organization’s highest honor. There’s no doubt Harry should receive such recognition,” said Montgomery.

During his Phillies career, Kalas broadcast 6,037 games. By contrast, the franchise record for games played is 2,404, held by Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt, the greatest Phillies player ever. Schmidt hit 548 career homers and Kalas was on the air for every one of them, many with his legendary call, “That ball’s outta here!”

“Harry is a Wall of Famer by all means,” said Schmidt. “I can’t wait to see his plaque in August.”

Kalas was inducted into the broadcasters’ wing of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002 when he received the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award, given to a broadcaster who has made “major contributions to baseball.”

Wall of Fame Ceremonies

For the first time, Kalas will not be the emcee for the induction ceremonies that will begin at 7:30 p.m. on August 7. The Phillies-Florida Marlins game will follow.

Wall of Famers who are expected to participate in the ceremonies include Robin Roberts (first inductee, 1978), Jim Bunning (1984), Steve Carlton (1989), Mike Schmidt (1990), Dick Allen (1994), Greg Luzinski (1998), Garry Maddox (2001), Tony Taylor (2002), Bob Boone (2005) and Dallas Green (2006). Kalas broadcast games involving all of these players.