Phightin' Phils Phorum

Philadelphia Phillies 2010 Broadcast Booth

 2009 was a tough time for the Philadelphia Phillies, their fans, and families as the team lost legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. Phillies President David Montgomery said it best when he said, "Today we lost our voice". For many of us we lost the voice of our summers. I remember as a kid falling asleep listening to Harry and Whitey. It was a tough year for all Phillies fans as many have wonderful memories of Harry. I have wanted to post about this for most of the season but thought it best to wait until the season was over. The Phillies need to rethink the broadcast booth in 2010.

Last season we were talking about the overcrowding in the booth. Going into 2010, the discussion will be about who to use where. Tom McCarthy has done a decent job   as the play by play announcer. He has a very hard act to follow just as Harry did replacing Bill Campbell and we need to give him a chance. Although there may be a better choice. We'll get to that in a minute. Chris Wheeler continued in his role as the color man in the first 3 and last three innings with The Sarge, Gary Matthews, in the mid innings. The opinions of Wheeler depends on who you talk to but few people have an indifferent opinion of him as I do. Many people can't stand to hear his voice while others love him. Personally I appreciate the fact that he is a Philly guy and loves the Phillies, but at times he annoys me. Overall I do not mind him. The Sarge was awful when he started but has improved over the past few years. His catch phrases like "Cadillac Time" have caught on but he is far from being a professional announcer. So what is the solution for the Phillies in 2010?

Assuming they do not bring in anyone new, they need to go back to what they did years ago and rotate broadcasters between television and radio. Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen are in my opinion the best two broadcasters the Phillies have. Why they are only on the radio is beyond me. Put Franzke and Andersen in the mid innings on T.V. while McCarthy and Matthews move to the radio. Sarge should be used to do special reports on television several times a game like McCarthy did before Harry passed away. He could perhaps also be the color man in the third inning. This suggestion would make the broadcasting schedule look like this:

Inning Television Radio

1-2     McCarthy & Wheeler Franzke & Andersen

2     Special Report from Matthews

3    McCarthy & Matthews

4-6    Franzke & Andersen McCarthy & Matthews

7-9     McCarthy & Wheeler Franzke & Andersen

8    Special Report from Matthews

The Phillies need to start a new era in the broadcast booth and moving Franske and Andersen to television will be a step in the right direction. At the end of the 2010 season, poll the viewers and see who they prefer and make a decision from there. I bet Franzke and Andersen are the viewers choice by a landslide! Personally I would like to see more of Franzke and Andersen on television but 3 innings would be a nice start.

How would you like to see the broadcast schedule in 2010?

New Harry Kalas Book

A new book written as a tribute to the late great Harry Kalas is now available at Wawa Food Markets. "Remembering Harry Kalas" by Rich Wolfe is a keepsake book that shares behind the scenes stories about one of Philadelphia's most beloved broadcasters. You will laugh, remember, and cry as you read this great tome.

Each chapter is written by different groups of people from Harry's life. The prologue was written a by his family and Phillies president David Montgomery. The first chapter was written by broadcasters, the second chapter by former players, the third by members of the Phillies front office, the fourth by sports writers, and the final chapter, Harrypalozza, various people share funny stories about Harry.

This book is only available at Wawa, my local store only had a few copies left so get there today and buy this great keepsake! It is on sale for $9.99

We Will Miss You, Harry

The Phillies and the world of baseball lost a legend today in Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Harry Kalas, 73.  I was at Nationals Park when it happened, unaware of the events going on above me in the broadcast booth.  When I saw the tribute photo on the scoreboard right before the game and realized what had happened, my heart sunk.  Looking quickly at my cell phone which I had apparently left the ringer off, I saw the 8 missed calls from people trying to reach me so I would not be shocked by the news.  But I had been wandering around the ballpark for 2 ½ hours at that point, and since I never looked at the phone, I had no idea.  I sat down in my chair and cried, and much to my own surprise, I was not able to stop.  By the 4th inning, the Nationals fan next to me finally decided to try cracking a few jokes to see if I would snap out of it.  I tried to distract myself by taking photos, but I just couldn’t shake it.

The Phillies won the game, but I do not remember most of what happened.  Harry had been with the team since 1971 and I just kept thinking, I was born in 1972 and had been listening to this man literally my entire life.  To me, he was baseball.  Not only that, but I have had the great privilege over the last four years or so to have occasionally spent time with Harry, talking about baseball and listening to his stories.  I keep thinking about the last time we spoke this past January after an award dinner, when I teased him about his terrible smoking habit again; and again, he smiled and told me , “I know, I know.”  I keep thinking about all the stories I am never going to hear again; I’ll never hear his signature, “It’s outta here!” or his famous rendition of “High Hopes.”  I thought of Harry as a friend, as did nearly anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.  But that was just Harry; he made even the most casual fan feel like you had known him forever.  The man had a big heart and you could feel it when he entered a room.

I had a very long two hour car ride home tonight where I tried desperately to drown out the voices in my head and fight back tears, but I am still at a loss.  I know Harry would not want us to be mired in sadness, but how can we not.  Harry touched the lives of everyone he met and anyone who ever heard his voice; baseball will never be the same without him.  The world will never be the same without him.  I try to tell myself that death is a part of life in which we will all someday share; that there is another Angel looking down upon us.  But none of these things will bring comfort right now to the heavy hearts of all who knew Harry.

My heart goes out to Harry’s family and friends.  Let us grieve for today, and tomorrow, celebrate a life that will never be forgotten.  We will miss you, Harry.

Photos by Jenn

The Voice is Gone: Harry Kalas Passes Away

There are times that you never forget where your were when you got the news. Today was one of those times as my plane landed in Phoenix Arizona to an urgent message to call my wife. She told me about Harry Kalas collapsing today and how he had passed away and a chill went down my spine. As I tear up and write this, I remember a lifetime of listening to Harry call Phillies games. Being born in 1972 I know nothing different. Harry Kalas is the Phillies. Sadly that era came to an end today.

While I send my deepest sympathy's to his family, his Phillies family, and all of us who loved him, I also think of what Harry would say. He would want there to be a ballgame. He would want people to smile. He would want us to remember all of the great games and times he had. Harry was humble. He never wanted anything to be about him. He was a wonderful human being.

I remember the times I was fortunate enough to meet Harry. I met him regularly as a kid and collected his autograph. He always took time. He always talked. He was always gracious. Then I remember meeting him as a college student. I went to the University of Tampa and spent a lot of time in Clearwater. Harry again always took time to talk and you could tell he just loved the game.

I am sure I could tell stories for hours of my favorite memories. I could talk of his love for the game and how he made others love the game. But a recent story by Todd Zolecki tells it all. On his last birthday the Phillies travelled to Kissimmee for a Spring Training game. Harry had the day off. Todd asked why he was there. Harry said, "for the love of the game".

I have that same love for the game. And I wonder if I would love the game as much had I not listened to Harry. His golden voice and excitement in every pitch made me fall in love with the game. I can think of no better tribute than that.

I am sorry that this is a rant but that is all I have right now. I am so glad he finally got to call a World Series victory live before his passing. His voice will be forever heard in Philadelphia and that will be one of his most famous calls!

To Harry: I love you. Phillies fans love you. Baseball loves you. Now you join Richie Ashburn in the heavens where I am sure the two of you will find a ball game.

Harry Kalas Dies!! A Sad Day for Philadelphia!

It has just been reported that Hall of Fame Broadcaster Harry Kalas has died.  He was rushed to a Washington, DC hospital after passing out in the broadcast booth. 

Kalas was 73 years old and had been with the Philadelphia Phillies since 1971. 

I am saddened by this news and want the Kalas family and the Philadelphia Phillies organization to know that our prayers are with you!!  The broadcasting booth will never be the same!!!

You will be missed Harry!!!!  We love you!!!

Sarge and Obama Fast Friends

Gary Matthews has friends in high places. Think I am kidding? Ask him where he was during the most recent presidential inauguration. Front and center! The Sarge's daughter and Barrack Obama's daughters took a dance class together in Chicago and the two became friends. They golf together, have cookouts, and are in pretty close touch. Matthews said, "I'm not one of the guys you see playing basketball with him, but I do get invited to certain things."

Matthews joined Obama on his historic train ride from Philadelphia to Washington DC days before the inauguration and sat near the podium when Obama took his oath of office. He joined a small group that took a tour of the white house. Maybe we will see the president drinking a beer watching the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park this year.

Now if you want to complain about your taxes going up or other discontent in Washington DC, forget about writing the White House. Call the Sarge and your message will get through!

On a side note, Phightin' Phils Phorum wants to send condolences to Gary and his family on the loss of his mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sarge.

Kalas to Return Tomorrow

Hall of Famer Harry Kalas will return to the Phillies tomorrow as he returns from minor surgery for a detached retina. The 72 year old will do the radio broadcast as the television will be on Fox. Phighin' Phils Phorum wishes Harry well and our thoughts and prayers are with him.

We miss you Harry. Wheels is unbearable without you!

John Marzano's Cause of Death Determined

Spokesman for the medical examiner in Philadelphia Jeff Moran reported today that John Marzano was intoxicated when he fell down the stairs and died in his home. The cause of Johnny Marz's death was "postural asphyxia contributed to by blunt trauma and ethanol intoxication," said Moran. Moran said he could not elaborate.

This is sad news though one must wonder why he was drunk that early in the day. I hope this news does not sully his reputation or diminish his memory. Johnny Marz was a fan favorite and is sorely missed.

Click here for our original story about his untimely death.

Click here for more info on his passing.

Radio Hall of Fame Next Honor For Kalas?

The greatest broadcaster in sports Harry Kalas is on the ballot to be elected to the Radio Hall of Fame. He is one of four nominees including Gary Burbank, Charlie Tuna and Jim Zabel.

The award goes to the nominee with the most votes so be sure to go and vote. Harry deserves this. He is a national treasure and we are fortunate to call him our own!

Voting is free and open to the public as well as major radio industry leaders. Registration is required to vote.

Local favorite John Marzano Dies

Phightin' Phils Phorum is saddened to report the passing of John Robert Marzano. John died today after falling down the steps at his home in South Philadelphia. John Marzano was a favorite of every Phillies fan and many 610 WIP listeners. We are saddened to bring this news and will update the details when they become more clear. It is unclear at this time whether the former 1984 Olympic team member died from the fall or had suffered a heart attack first. Here is what we now as of now.

Marzano, a native of South Philadelphia, was found dead inside his home on Passyunk Ave. in the city, a published report indicates. It was there, the report states, that a family member called police to break down the door where Marzano apparently fell. It has not been determined if Marzano suffered a heart attack or simply fell.

Marzano graduated from Philadelphia’s Central High School and Temple University, where he was a member of the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. As a catcher for Temple, Marzano earned a spot on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team before being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the first round (14th overall pick) of the 1984 draft.

Marzano played in the big leagues for the Red Sox, Rangers and Mariners. He also played in the minors for the Indians and Phillies organizations.

Following his playing days, Marzano worked as an analyst for Comcast SportsNet on Phillies Post Game Live. He also appeared regularly on Philadelphia radio station 610-WIP. For the past two years Marzano worked for Major League Baseball’s web site where he co-hosted a show with Vinny Micucci every morning."

Marzano was from Philadelphia and had been working for Major League Baseball's Web site, where he co-hosted a show on weekday mornings.

"John was a beloved member of our team, a personable, terrific friend to all with whom he worked," said Bob Bowman, chief executive officer of MLB Advanced Media. "He was an engaging, informed interviewer. His energy, knowledge of the game and comedic touch produced admirable results. We miss him dearly already."

MLB.com will establish an internship program in Marzano's name.

"The Phillies family is saddened by the news of John Marzano's untimely death," Phillies president David Montgomery said in a statement. "John was an endeared member of the Philadelphia sports community who not only represented our city well as both an athlete and a broadcaster, but also had incredible passion for the games we play. Our deepest condolences go out to the Marzano family at this difficult time."

"Comcast SportsNet suffered a great loss today with the sudden passing of John Marzano. John was a beloved member of our CSN family and he will be dearly missed.

You knew the moment John entered the building because his infectious laugh permeated throughout our offices. His love and passion for baseball and life were a winning combination that endeared him to staff and viewers alike. John never forgot his Philadelphia roots and was thrilled to have a career talking Phillies baseball.

 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family, including his wife Terri, his daughters Danielle and Dominique and his two grandchildren.”

John, I speak for all Phillies fans and MLB, we will miss you! Marzano is dead at 45.