Sad, sad news for Phillies fans
everywhere as we lost the great
Harry Kalas today. For nearly four decades, Philadelphia's beloved hall of
fame play-by-play announcer provided the voice over for the soundtracks of our
summers; his trademark home run call "Outta here!" ringing in our ears as we
pumped our fists and cheered in shared triumph! Like many, many other
musicians across the country, I have fond memories of singing his adopted
theme song "High Hopes" with Harry in front of delighted audiences. It was on
Harry Kalas Tribute
Day at a sold out Veteran Stadium in 2002 when I stood in for Harry during
the seventh inning stretch to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and was
understandably booed as the unsatisfactory pinch hitter I was! (The story is
recounted in my song "Hey Vicente".) There will be no substitutes for "Harry
the K'! Rest easy Harry! Our prayers are with your family and friends.