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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 37th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > April > 13 > Entry
Kalas: the voice from on high
Nobody could say, “Hi, Hal McCoy, how are you?” like Harry Kalas. It was like the voice of God, a deep, low rumble that sounded as if it came from the clouds.
When Kalas spoke to you, he could be behind you and across the room and you knew instantly who it was. If you turned around and didn’t see him, you still knew — Harry Kalas is in this room.
Kalas, the legendary Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster and the voice of NFL Films, died today. He was 73. They found him in the broadcast booth at the Washington Nationals stadium.
Knowing Kalas as I did, that’s the way he preferred it. If he had to go, take him in a broadcast booth. As good as he was as a broadcaster, he was a better person. He was everybody’s friend with a kind, thoughtful and upbeat word for everybody.
I used to play tennis with and against him in the 1970’s. It would be me and another member of the Reds traveling party — trainer Larry Starr or fellow journalist Greg Hoard — against Kalas and Richie Ashburn. It was intense. All four of us were intense competitors and many “discussions” developed over line calls. Harry was always the first to say, “Ah, give it to ‘em. It’s only a game.”
Baseball was more than a game to Kalas. It was his passion and his life. He was 73 and was not even thinking about retirement.
Marty Brennaman made an interesting remark. Kalas and Ashburn were very, very, very close. Like twins. “When Richie died (about 10 years ago), I don’t think Harry got over it.”
And they’ll never get over Kalas in Philadelphia and I’ll never forget the way he said, “Hi, Hal McCoy. How are you?” Nobody else could send shudders through me just by uttering those simple words.
LATER IN THE DAY it was announced that former Detroit pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych died. Fidrych was famous for standing on the mound and holding the baseball in his palm as he leaned his head forward and actually talked to the baseball, told it what to do. For one year, it obeyed and Fidrych was a one-year legend.
Then the baseball quit listening and Fidrych faded away.
Said manager Dusty Baker, with oh-so-true words: “Death has no season.”
THE REDS OPEN an 11-day, 10-game trip through three NL Central cities tonight in Milwaukee, the first of three, followed by four in Houston and three in Chicago.
Interesting matchup: Cincinnati’s Edinson Volquez vs. Milwaukee’s Yovani Gallardo (1-0, 2.70), two Latin zingers. One difference: Volquez has the bullpen to back him up, Gallardo has the bullpen to make him sick.
Amazingly, the two 39-year-old Reds in the ‘pen have done nothing so far but throw strikes. LHP Arthur Rhodes and RHP David Weathers have combined to retire all 13 batters they’ve faced. And between the two they have thrown 42 pitches, 35 strikes. Rhodes is 27 for 31 with strikes and Weathers is 8 for 11.
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Comments
By Scott
April 15, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this
One thing I noticed about Sunday’s broadcast is that when Brantley, late in the game, was passing it back to Marty for the final time that broadcast. I thought Marty was going to say “Thanks Joe…”. These people who bring us the game are legendary and it can be hard at times to get over the loss.timeBy Scott
April 15, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this
I can sympathize with Philly fans as I’m sure they are affected by this loss like we were when Joe passed away. What a great broadcasting team in the great beyond though huh? Joe Nuxhall, Harry Kalas, Jack Buck, Mel Allen…legends. Losing Fidrych too, especially after the loss of young up-and-comer Nick Adenhart really hit hard. I think fans are still dizzy at this loss, like opposing batters were in 1976 when The Bird took the mound.By Phyllis
April 14, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this
Phillies Baseball will never quite be the same without the voice of Harry Kalas. He always had a warm smile and friendly conversation for you. IBy Colgar
April 14, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this
I didn’t know Harry well but like Joe Nuxhall, he never “big leagued” anyone.By Gary Maloy Jr
April 14, 2009 4:39 AM | Link to this
I don’t know the name, but the voice of NFL films? Ouch. His was the greatest voice. Ever. There’s almost no reason to buy official highlight films fra the NFL anymore.By ME
April 13, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this
Great win for the Reds on a very shaky night.Taveras looks very shaky in center, fielding and throwing; and a lot worse at the plate. His bunting placement stinks, for someone who is said to be proficient at this skill. I’m not sure Dickerson is not the better centerfielder. I’d like to see if Dickerson could be a threat with a drag bunt, as he has great speed, too.The bullpen did well tonight, after the disastrous beginning from Edinson. Maybe they will relax tomorrow and play with confidence.By nick
April 13, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this
Kalas replaced John Facenda, “the voice of God”, for NFL Films. His “Michael Jack Schmitt” call for some of the Major’s most dramatic home run hitters will never be forgotten. Move over John, God needed to hear what Harry’s take on life was! Harry Kalas….one of the best!By Tim
April 13, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this
Very touching remarks made by Marty tonight before the Reds broadcast.