Gonzo: E-mails about Harry Kalas

While thinking about how baseball will never sound the same, it's time for an all-Harry Kalas e-mail bag.

Since 1971, Phillies fans have been comfortable inviting Harry into their living rooms, cars, backyards, beach blankets and anyplace else they wanted to hear or see the game. And we were always comfortable with Harry in our presence. How many times have you heard someone say about an announcer, "That guy gets on my nerves." You never heard that about Harry.

Greg,

That was the remarkable thing about Harry. Even more impressive than his voice or his talent for calling a game was how he managed to become universally loved in Philadelphia. That's tough in any city. It's damn near impossible here. That's a truly amazing trick. Even if you never met him, he made you feel special. I don't think we'll see another person like him in this town.

One can only hope that Harry and Whitey are together again. It won't be baseball around here without him. Here's to you, Harry the K. Thanks for the memories.

Gene,

Don't you love the idea of Harry and Whitey trading stories or playing golf or just goofing on each other as they once did? I pray they've been reunited and that they're enjoying each other's company again.

Thank the good Lord that Outta Here got outta here with a championship.

Ron,

I was thinking that same thing. It's terrible and sad that Harry passed. I would have liked to see him call games for another 20 years. But if he had to go, I'm glad he got to see the Phils win one more World Series. And not only that, but unlike in 1980, he got to call the Series and the final out.

After suffering through so many seasons of bad baseball, the man deserved it.

Over the course of the 2009 season I cannot help but wonder if a Phillie makes a memorable play and no one hears Harry call it, did it really happen?

Matt,

Ah, the classic philosophy question, with a twist. It's going to be awfully strange. I really like the Phillies' broadcast team. They did a fantastic job when Harry was alive, and they'll continue to do so.

But for my generation, Harry was the only Phillies play-by-play man we've ever known.

How do you wean yourself off something you've been addicted to for 38 years?