Philadelphia, PA - April 18, 2009

The lines stretching around Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Saturday were comparable to those seen in late September when fans are anxious to get their hands on playoff tickets. However, this line was formed to pay tribute to Harry Kalas, the "Voice of the Phillies" who passed away suddenly on April 13, 2009.

Those waiting to pay their respects to the Hall of Fame broadcaster had no shortage of stories to share. Since Monday, fans have created a makeshift memorial surrounding the bronze statue of Mike Schmidt, whose 500th career homerun was enthusiastically called by Kalas, which ironically took place on April 18, 1987 -- exactly 22 years earlier. Today, mourners continued to contribute with flowers, memorabilia and posters.

The memorial services were free and open to the public. In addition to receiving a commemorative program, every individual was greeted by team president and CEO, David Montgomery.

Though the lines were long, the thousands in attendance filed into Citizens Bank Park to be a part of a true "brotherly love" memorial service. The broadcast booth that Kalas had called home since the stadium opened in 2004 was adorned with black bunting; his signature "Harry Kalas HOF 2002" adjacent to both first and third base. Prior to Citizens Bank Park, Kalas had called games from Veterans Stadium since its opening in 1971.

Entering from third base, participants walked the warning track towards home plate, where Kalas' casket had been lying in state. Each to pass the casket offered a sign of respect, a small prayer, or just a "thank you" for the 38 years Kalas dedicated to Phillies fans.

When all of the club-estimated 9,000 in attendance had passed the casket and were seated in the sections behind the first base line, the official portion of the memorial service began. Public Address announcer Dan Baker recognized Kalas' famliy, including his three sons -- Todd, Brad and Kane. At the game the previous evening, Kane Kalas performed the National Anthem and Kalas' three sons threw the honorary first pitch. Todd, a broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays, said his farewell to his father by hugging his casket, which caused a wave of emotion in the hearts of fellow mourners.

When the Kalas family had passed by the casket, the family of Richie Ashburn, a long-time broadcast partner of Kalas and former Phillies center fielder who passed away in 1997, paid their respects. They were followed by Philiies staff and veterans including Mike Schmidt, Robin Roberts, Steve Carlton, Darren Daulton, and John Kruk.

The final group to enter the field to honor Kalas was the current Phillies roster, led by manager Charlie Manuel. Each player recalls having a special relationship with Kalas and will remember him for his optimism, his encouragement, and his passion for baseball. One player particularly affected was pitcher Jamie Moyer, a Philadelphia native, who grew up listening to Kalas call baseball games and would later mention in his portion of the eulogy that when he reached

the majors, "The first thing I thought of was, 'Harry Kalas is going to say my name!' What a thrill for a kid from Pennsylvania."

Others to provide remarks on the life and legacy of Kalas included Rich Ashburn, Jr., David Montgomery, Pennsylvania Governer Ed Rendell, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, and Mike Schmidt. Though each speaker had a different story to tell about Harry Kalas, the central theme was that he was the type of man that never said, "No," always had a positive outlook, had a strong respect or all human beings, and a genuine passion for making people happy.

In an emotional final move, Kalas' casket was moved from home plate to the hearse just beyond first base, by two lines of pall bearers consisting of family, friends, current and former players to the music of Simon and Garfunkle's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' which Kalas' sons announced he requested years ago while driving in the car and listening to the eight-track.

For the remainder of the season, the Phillies will wear a black "HK" patch on their uniform near their hearts. Harry has touched countless lives through either his passion for baseball or his generosity and sincerity. He will be missed by many. According to MLB.com, contributions may be made in Kalas' memory to

Phillies Charities, Inc.
1 Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148