Game rained out; Phils still dealing with Kalas' death

WASHINGTON - The Phillies' clubhouse was quiet yesterday afternoon, two days after the team lost its longtime broadcaster Harry Kalas to heart disease. After a win Monday and an off-day Tuesday, many Phillies remained saddened yesterday in the hours before their game against the Washington Nationals was postponed because of rain.

Manager Charlie Manuel said that his players were shaken by the loss.

"They really liked Harry," he said. "They probably liked him more than they'll ever know, really, because everything the other day was absolutely quiet. Everything that happened during the game, they congratulated guys when they did something, but there wasn't very much noise. They just kind of sat right down, and you could tell that things weren't going real good."

As the sadness extended into yesterday, the team announced details of tomorrow night's tribute to the Hall of Fame broadcaster. The 7:05 game against the San Diego Padres will be the first at Citizens Bank Park since Kalas' death at age 73.

Kalas' sons Todd, Brad and Kane will throw out the ceremonial first pitches, and Kane will sing the national anthem. The first half-inning of the television showing on Comcast Network Philadelphia will feature no commentary, an extended moment of silence for the late announcer. All in attendance will receive an 8-by-10 color photograph of Kalas, and during the seventh-inning stretch, a video of the Philadelphia icon singing "High Hopes," his signature song, will be shown at the stadium.

The team also will commemorate Kalas in several lasting ways. The television booth will be named the Harry Kalas Broadcast Booth, joining the radio booth, already named the Richie "Whitey" Ashburn Broadcast Booth. Kalas' signature will be displayed on the field during the seven-game homestand beginning tomorrow. Also during the homestand, a black drape will hang in front of the Phillies' radio and television booths, and the Phillies' flag in Ashburn Alley will be at half-staff.

A circular "HK" patch has been sewn onto the front of the Phillies' jerseys and will remain there for the entire season. Manuel was impressed by the patch. "I think it's great," he said. "I think for us to wear it all season, it's definitely an honor for him, and it shows our appreciation and how much we liked him."