R.I.P. Harry Kalas

When I first heard the voice of Harry Kalas, it was on Sunday mornings. He and Steve Sabol used to do a show called "This is the NFL," a highlights-based show at a time where out-of-town highlights were still rare and Sportscenter was in its infancy.

Later I became aware of his work in baseball and always enjoyed his smooth style, like an East Coast version of Vin Scully.

I first met Kalas while covering the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2001. He was doing broadcasts for Westwood One and once while I was
talking to former Steelers announcer Myron Cope, Kalas came out to say hi to Myron, who introduced me to Kalas. He was very nice and respectful then though we just spoke for a minute.

I would see Halas more as I covered the Pirates for the Observer-Reporter when the Phillies would come to town. Even when he walked into the media dining room, Kalas had a presence about him. He was a legend.

If he would come and sit down at a table I was at, usually with other writers, I would usually sit quietly, somewhat in awe, of a man I admired as a broadcaster.

Then, last season, when myself and former Beaver County Times writer John Perrotto were eating dinner before a game, Kalas once again came and sat down. Since there were only three of us at the table, he wanted to know what not just John thought of the Pirates but my opinions as well. As we were sitting there talking the only thought going through my head was "This is Harry freaking Kalas. He's a legend."

He was also very gracious and giving of his time, even to a young sportswriter such as myself.

The sportsworld truly lost a legnedary voice today. We'll miss you, Harry.

Photo from phillies.com