Results tagged ‘ Harry Kalas ’
Some recent news…
This past Friday, Jim Thome announced that he was doing what he could do, physically, to get himself ready to occasionally play first base (expected to be at least once a week) both before and after Ryan Howard returns, although during the season the Phils will be using him mainly as a late-innings pinch-hitting threat, like they did with Matt Stairs in late 2008 and 2009. Although the Phils will most likely be using Ty Wigginton as their everyday first baseman with John Mayberry playing the position against certain lefties during the regular season, until Howard’s expected return in late May, it is nice to know that Thome is getting himself ready for when he is called upon to play the position.
On Monday, it was announced that former Phils announcer Andy Musser died on Sunday at the age of 74 at his home in Wynnewood, PA. Musser was a member of the Phils’ broadcasting crew from 1976-2001, working with Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn and Ford C. Frick Award winners Harry Kalas and Tim McCarver, as well as present Phil broadcaster Chris Wheeler. Rest in Peace, Chris, and late condolences to your family.
Ibanez’s walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth lifts the Phillies over the Padres, 5-4.
With the Phillies’ trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth, and with a runner on first and nobody out, Raul Ibanez hits a 2-0 changeup into the right field seats to give the Phillies a dramatic, come from behind victory over the presently hot Padres.
The Padres took the lead in the third inning using some fundamental baseball. First, Everth Cabrera started the inning off by getting on base with a bunt single in front of the plate, beating out Chris Coste’s throw to first. Josh Geer then moved Cabrera over to second with a sacrifice bunt to Ryan Howard, 3-unassistant. Jody Gerut then followed with an RBI single to right, knocking in Cabrera, giving the Padres a 1-0 lead. Edgar Gonzalez then followed with an RBI triple on a ball misplayed by Raul Ibanez that got past him, going all the way to the fence, as Gerut crossed the plate to make it 2-0 Padres. It became 3-0 Padres as Gonzalez scored on a Brian Giles ground out to the second baseman, 4-3, for the inning’s second out. The Padres then made it 4-0 in the fifth, as Gonzalez hit a two-out, solo home run, his fifth home run of the year. But, that would be it for the Padres, as the Phillies’ bullpen would proceed to this time shut the Padres down for the next four innings. In the meantime, the Phils’ batters would slowly nibble at the Padres’ lead. After being unable to score a run in the first five innings against Padres’ starter Geer, the Phillies would finally got some runs across in the sixth, as Chase Utley hits a one-out, two-run home run, his fourth home run of the season, knocking in Eric Bruntlett, who had earlier reached base on Padres shortstop’s Luis Rodriguez’s throwing error, going on to second on the errant throw. The Phils then cut the lead down to 4-3 in the eighth as pinch hitter Jimmy Rollins hit a lead-off, pinch hit home run, his first home run of the year. In the ninth inning, with the score still 4-3 Padres, the Padres sent Edwin Moreno to the mound for the save. He was greeted with a bloop single by Howard, his third hit of the day. Ibanez then came to the plate, and after getting ahead in the count, 2-0, hit the next pitch into the right field seats for a two-run, walk-off home run, his fifth home run of the season, knocking in Howard, and giving the Phils a 5-4 win.
Chan Ho Park, started the game for the Phils, getting a no-decision as he pitched five innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and a walk, while striking out three. J.A. Happ then pitched three scoreless innings in relief, giving up just three hits and a walk, as he struck out two. Clay Condrey got the win as he pitched a scoreless ninth, giving up just a hit. His record is now 2-0 with an ERA of 3.38. Josh Geer also received a no-decision as he pitched seven strong innings, as he gave up just two runs, only one of which was earned, on six hits, as he struck out four. Edward Mujica held the lead for the Padres as he pitched a inning in relief, giving up one run on one hit, while striking out one. Edwin Moreno took the lost as he blew his first save of the year, giving up two runs on two hits, as he pitched to two batters. His record is now 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA.
The Phillies had nine hits in the game, with Ryan Howard leading the way with three hits, a triple and two singles, while scoring a run, as he raised his average to .341. Raul Ibanez followed with two hits, a double and a home run, knocking in two runs while scoring a run, as he lifted his average to .386. Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, Pedro Feliz and Jimmy Rollins had the other four hits, with Utley’s hit being a two-run home run, while Rollins’ was a pinch hit solo home run.
The Phillies (5-6, 4th) with conclude their four-games home stand with the Padres (9-4, 2nd National League West) with a night game tonight, weather permitting. The game will be played at Citizens Bank Park and will start at 7:05 pm Eastern. The Phillies will send to the mound Jamie Moyer (1-1, 6.55), who is coming off a victory against the Nationals on April 13, as he pitched six innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out five in the Phils’ emotional 9-8 victory, on the day Harry Kalas died. He will be trying for his second straight win, which trying to cut down on the number of runs he has been giving up so far this season. He will be opposed by Kevin Correia (0-1, 4.09), who is coming off a lost at the hands of the Mets on April 15, where he went five innings, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks, as he struck out five, in the Padres’ 7-2 lost. He will be trying for his first win of the year. The Phillies hope to end the series at two-wins apiece, before they host the Milwaukee Brewers for a three-games series, starting tomorrow night.
Ibanez’s walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth lifts the Phillies over the Padres, 5-4.
With the Phillies’ trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth, and with a runner on first and nobody out, Raul Ibanez hits a 2-0 changeup into the right field seats to give the Phillies a dramatic, come from behind victory over the presently hot Padres.
The Padres took the lead in the third inning using some fundamental baseball. First, Everth Cabrera started the inning off by getting on base with a bunt single in front of the plate, beating out Chris Coste’s throw to first. Josh Geer then moved Cabrera over to second with a sacrifice bunt to Ryan Howard, 3-unassistant. Jody Gerut then followed with an RBI single to right, knocking in Cabrera, giving the Padres a 1-0 lead. Edgar Gonzalez then followed with an RBI triple on a ball misplayed by Raul Ibanez that got past him, going all the way to the fence, as Gerut crossed the plate to make it 2-0 Padres. It became 3-0 Padres as Gonzalez scored on a Brian Giles ground out to the second baseman, 4-3, for the inning’s second out. The Padres then made it 4-0 in the fifth, as Gonzalez hit a two-out, solo home run, his fifth home run of the year. But, that would be it for the Padres, as the Phillies’ bullpen would proceed to this time shut the Padres down for the next four innings. In the meantime, the Phils’ batters would slowly nibble at the Padres’ lead. After being unable to score a run in the first five innings against Padres’ starter Geer, the Phillies would finally got some runs across in the sixth, as Chase Utley hits a one-out, two-run home run, his fourth home run of the season, knocking in Eric Bruntlett, who had earlier reached base on Padres shortstop’s Luis Rodriguez’s throwing error, going on to second on the errant throw. The Phils then cut the lead down to 4-3 in the eighth as pinch hitter Jimmy Rollins hit a lead-off, pinch hit home run, his first home run of the year. In the ninth inning, with the score still 4-3 Padres, the Padres sent Edwin Moreno to the mound for the save. He was greeted with a bloop single by Howard, his third hit of the day. Ibanez then came to the plate, and after getting ahead in the count, 2-0, hit the next pitch into the right field seats for a two-run, walk-off home run, his fifth home run of the season, knocking in Howard, and giving the Phils a 5-4 win.
Chan Ho Park, started the game for the Phils, getting a no-decision as he pitched five innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and a walk, while striking out three. J.A. Happ then pitched three scoreless innings in relief, giving up just three hits and a walk, as he struck out two. Clay Condrey got the win as he pitched a scoreless ninth, giving up just a hit. His record is now 2-0 with an ERA of 3.38. Josh Geer also received a no-decision as he pitched seven strong innings, as he gave up just two runs, only one of which was earned, on six hits, as he struck out four. Edward Mujica held the lead for the Padres as he pitched a inning in relief, giving up one run on one hit, while striking out one. Edwin Moreno took the lost as he blew his first save of the year, giving up two runs on two hits, as he pitched to two batters. His record is now 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA.
The Phillies had nine hits in the game, with Ryan Howard leading the way with three hits, a triple and two singles, while scoring a run, as he raised his average to .341. Raul Ibanez followed with two hits, a double and a home run, knocking in two runs while scoring a run, as he lifted his average to .386. Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, Pedro Feliz and Jimmy Rollins had the other four hits, with Utley’s hit being a two-run home run, while Rollins’ was a pinch hit solo home run.
The Phillies (5-6, 4th) with conclude their four-games home stand with the Padres (9-4, 2nd National League West) with a night game tonight, weather permitting. The game will be played at Citizens Bank Park and will start at 7:05 pm Eastern. The Phillies will send to the mound Jamie Moyer (1-1, 6.55), who is coming off a victory against the Nationals on April 13, as he pitched six innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out five in the Phils’ emotional 9-8 victory, on the day Harry Kalas died. He will be trying for his second straight win, which trying to cut down on the number of runs he has been giving up so far this season. He will be opposed by Kevin Correia (0-1, 4.09), who is coming off a lost at the hands of the Mets on April 15, where he went five innings, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks, as he struck out five, in the Padres’ 7-2 lost. He will be trying for his first win of the year. The Phillies hope to end the series at two-wins apiece, before they host the Milwaukee Brewers for a three-games series, starting tomorrow night.
The Phillies lose to the Padres, 8-7, after taking an early lead.
The Phillies’ bullpen blew its first game of the 2009 season, as the team squanders an early 7-1 lead, as the Padres come from behind to defeat the Phillies, 8-7. After the game, Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel said that he was not happy with the final result, as the Phils had wanted to win the game for the late Harry Kalas.
The Phillies started the game off by scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Chase Utley gave the Phils a quick 3-0 lead as he hit a three-run home run, his second home run of the year, off of Padres’ starter Chris Young, after Young had given up two straight singles to Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino, with nobody out. Two outs later, with runners on first and second, Chris Coste made it a 5-0 Phillies’ lead with a two-run double, as he knocked in Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz, who had both gotten on base with walks. The Padres got one of the runs back in the top of the third as Phils’ starter Coel Hamels gave up a lead-off, solo home run to Luis Rodriguez, his first home run of the year, making it a 5-1 Phils’ lead. The Phillies got the run back in their half of the third as Feliz hit a two-out, RBI single, knocking in Ibanez, who had earlier tripled, giving the Phils a 6-1 lead. The Phillies made it 7-1 in the fourth inning, as Ryan Howard hit a two-out, RBI double, knocking in Victorino, who had earlier singled, stole second, his second steal of the game, and had moved over to third on an Utley’s ground out to first. But, from that point on, it would be the Padres fighting back. They started their come back in the fifth, as Hamels gave up a two-out, two-run home run to Scott Hairston, his second home run of the year, knocking in Rodriguez, who had earlier reached base on a force out, 5-4, wiping out Nick Hundley, who had gotten on base with a walk, cutting the Phillies’ lead to 7-3. An inning later, Hundley made the score 7-5 Phils as he hit a two-run home run off of Hamels, his first home run of the season, knocking in Kevin Kouzmanoff, who had earlier singled. In the eighth inning, the Padres made it a 7-6 Phillies’ lead as pinch hitter Jody Gerut hit an RBI single, knocking in Chase Headley, who had earlier singled and sending Rodriguez, who had earlier walked, over to third base, putting runners on the corners. Hairston followed with a two-run RBI double, scoring both Rodriguez and Gerut, giving the Padres the lead, 8-7. The Phillies tried to tied the score in the bottom of the eighth, when, with pinch hitter Greg Dobbs on second base, via a pinch hit single and moving up to second on a Rollins’ sacrifice bunt, trying to score on a two-out single to left by Utley. Sadly, a strong throw by Padres’ left fielder Headley would cut down Dobbs at the plate, 7-2, as Padres’ catcher, Hundley, tagged him out. The Phils made one last threat as Ibanez got on base with a single with one man out. After Jayson Werth had flied out to right for the inning’s second out, Matt Stairs came up to the plate to pinch hit for Feliz, to hopefully end the game with another two-run home run. After getting behind on the count, 3-0, Padres’ closer Heath Bell got the count up to 3-2, before finally ending the game by striking out Stairs, looking, with a fastball, collecting his sixth save of the season.
Cole Hamels got a no-decision, as he pitched six innings, giving up five runs on eight hits and a walk, while striking out four. Clay Condrey pitched a third of an inning, giving up a hit. Scott Eyre followed, pitching two-thirds of an inning, giving up no runs or hits as he struck out one. Ryan Madson took the lost as he blew the save, giving up three runs on three hits and a walk. His record is now 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA. Brad Lidge then pitched an inning, giving up no runs on three hits, leaving the bases loaded, as he struck out one batter. Chris Young also got a no-decision, as he got hit hard by the Phillies, giving up seven runs, on nine hits and two walks, while striking out two batters, in three and two-third innings. Luis Pedromo followed, pitching one and one-third scoreless innings, giving up only two walks. Luke Gregerson then pitched a scoreless inning, striking out a batter. Cla Meredith picked up the win as he pitched a scoreless inning, giving up just two hits. His record is now 2-0 with an 0.00 ERA. Duaner Sanchez pitched a scoreless inning, giving up two hits. Heath Bell recorded his sixth save of the season as he pitched a scoreless ninth, giving up just one hit while striking out a batter.
Phillies’ hitters collected fourteen hits in the game. Raul Ibanez lead the way with three hits, as he increased his batting average to .361. Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Pedro Feliz and Chris Coste would each follow with two hits apiece. Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Greg Dobbs got the other three Phillies’ hits, with Dobbs’ hit being his first pinch hit of the season. Utley knocked in three of the Phils’ runs with a three-run homer. Coste knocked in two runs with a double, while Howard would knock in one with a double. Feliz brought in the other Phillie run with a single. But, the bullpen would blow its first game of the year as Ryan Madson gave up three runs in the eighth inning. Phillies’ pitching, though, is getting hurt by the long ball as Cole Hamels gave up three of them in the game, allowing the Padres to get back into the game. Phillies’ pitchers have now given up twenty-three home runs in just nine games. The pitchers need to give up less home runs if they hope to win games.
The Phillies (4-5, 4th) continue their four games home stand with the Padres (8-3, T-1st, National League West) tonight at Citizens Bank Park. The game will start at 7:05 pm Eastern. Brett Myers (1-1, 5.54) will start the game for the Phils, coming off a win in Colorado on April 11, as he pitched seven innings, giving up four runs on four hits and a walk, while striking out six, in the Phillies’ 8-4 victory over the Rockies. Myers will be looking for his second straight victory while trying to keep the ball inside the park, having already given up six home runs, counting for all eight of the runs that he has so far given up this season. The Padres will counter with Shawn Hill (1-0, 3.60), who is coming off a victory over the Giants on April 10, as he went just five innings, giving up just two runs on seven hits and a walk, while striking out three, in the Padres’ 7-3 victory. He will also be trying for his second straight win. The Phillies hope to rebound with a victory tonight, after having now lost two games in a row.
Preview: Phillies v. Padres – 7:05 pm Eastern.
The Phillies (4-4, 3rd) are now home for a seven-games home stand, starting with a four-games weekend series with the San Diego Padres (7-3, T-1st National League West). The first game of the four-game series will be played tonight at Citizens Bank Park and will start after 7:05 pm Eastern. The Phillies’ starter will be their ace Cole Hamels (0-1, 17.18), who is coming off a rocky start against the Colorado Rockies on April 10. In that game, he gave up seven runs on eleven hits and a walk, while striking out only one batter, in three and two-thirds innings of work, in the Phils’ 10-3 lost. He will be trying to recover from that poor start. The Padres will counter with Chris Young (2-0, 1.38), who is coming off a win against the San Francisco Giants on April 12, where he pitched seven strong innings, giving up no runs on four hits, while striking out seven, in the Padres’ 6-1 win. He will be looking to increase his record to 3-0 at the Phillies’ expense. The Phillies will be looking for their first winning series at home.
Before tonight’s ballgame, the Phillies will be doing several tributes in honor of the late Harry Kalas, who died before last Monday’s afternoon game in Washington, D.C. During the home stand, the flag in Ashburn Alley will be hung at half-mast in his honor, while his signature will be displayed on the field. Also, there will be a black drape placed in front of both the Phillies’ TV and radio broadcast booths. The Phillies will rename the TV broadcast booth in his honor, calling it the Harry Kalas Broadcast Booth: “That’s ball’s outta here!”, as a companion to the radio broadcast booth which is named the Richie ‘Whitey” Ashburn Broadcast Booth: “This game’s easy, Harry.” in honor of Hall of Fame outfielder, fellow broadcaster, and Kalas’ friend, Richie Ashburn. Comcast Network Philadelphia has announced that there will be no commentary made during the first half inning of tonight’s game. On the outfield wall, there will be a billboard honoring Kalas. Throughout the rest of the season, a recording of Kalas’ famous catch phrase: “Outta here !” will be played on the PA system everytime a Phillie batter hits a home run. During tonight’s seventh-inning stretch, on PhanaVision, a video with him singing ‘High Hopes’ will be shown, and fans will be encouraged to sing along.
Before the game, which fans are encouraged to attend early, his three sons, Todd, Brad and Kane will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. There will be held a moment of silence in Kalas’ honor, before his son, Kane, sings the national anthem. A video on his career will also be shown on PhanaVision. Lastly, all fans in attendence will be giving an 8 X 10 color picture of Harry Kalas, a commemorative program, and a poem that he wrote in 2002 as a tribute to the fans.
Preview: Phillies v. Nationals at Nationals Park – Wednesday night, 7:05 pm Eastern.
The Phillies (4-3) continued their first visit to the nation’s capitol as they face the Nationals (0-7) at Nationals Park, for the second game of their three-games series. The Phils are looking to make it four wins in a row as they send Joe Blanton to the mound. Blanton (0-0, 15.75) is coming off a bad start against the Atlanta Braves on April 8, where he only went four innings, giving up seven runs on nine hits and two walks, while striking out six, in the Phillies’ come from behind 12-11 win. Against the Nationals, Blanton is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in three starts. He hopes to rebound in his start tonight, looking for his first win of the year. The winless Nationals will counter with Shairon Martis (0-0, 9.00), who is also coming off of a bad start. In his case, he is coming off a no-decision against the Braves on April 10, where he went only three innings, giving up three runs on five hits and a walk, as he only struck out one, in the Nationals’ 6-5 lost. He will also be looking to pitch a better game, hoping that the Phils’ bats won’t erupt on him.
The Phillies have also made a few announcements concerning the late Harry Kalas. Starting tomorrow, the players, coaches and manager Charlie Manuel will all be wearing, for the rest of the season, on their uniforms a black circular patch, with the letters HK in the middle of the patch in white, that will be placed on the front of their uniforms, near the players’ hearts, for the rest of the season. They also plan to have a tribute for him at Citizens Bank Park before their Friday night game with the San Diego Padres, and on Saturday, they will allow fans to pay their last respect to him on a first-come, first-serve basis, from 8 am to 12:45 pm, to get as many fans through as they can, followed at 1 pm by an on-field tribute for those fans who will be attending the game.
The Phillies have now won three games in a row as they defeat the Nats in a wild one, 9-8.
Hours after their beloved voice had died in a local Washington hospital, the Phillies hung on to win a wild one in the nation’s capital as they defeat the Nationals, 9-8. The victory gave them their first three games winning streak of the season.
The Nationals took an early lead in the first, as Elijah Dukes hit a two-out RBI double, scoring Cristian Guzman, who had earlier singled and had stolen second base, giving the Nats a 1-0 lead. The Phillies came back in the second, tying the game up at one apiece on a bases loaded walk to Chris Coste, scoring Jayson Werth, who had earlier singled, moved to second on a force out attempt, fielding error at second base by second baseman Anderson Hernandez on a Raul Ibanez grounder and a walk to Pedro Feliz. The Phils then took a 2-1 lead as starter Jamie Moyer hit a sacrifice fly to left, as Ibanez crossed the plate ahead of left fielder’s Adam Dunn’s throw to the plate. Washington tied it up at two all in their half of the second as Guzman hit a two-out RBI single, scoring Hernandez who had earlier singled, and had moved up to second base on Nats’ starter Daniel Carbrera’s sacifice bunt. The Phils retook the lead in the top of the third on Shane Victorino’s lead-off home run, his first home run of the year, making it 3-2 Phils. The Phillies made it 4-2 in the fourth as Jimmy Rollins hit a two-out RBI double, knocking in Feliz, who had earlier singled to left and had gone to second on Dunn’s fielding error and then moved on to third on Moyer’s ground out, 6-3. The Nationals got one of those runs back in their half of the fourth on a two-out single by Guzman, scoring Lastings Milledge, who had earlier single and stole second, making it a 4-3 Phillies’ lead. The Nats then tied the game up at four all in the fifth as Dukes hit a one-out solo home run, his first home run of the year. The Phils retook the lead for good in the seventh, as Ryan Howard hit a three-run home, his first home run of the year, scoring both Victorino and Chase Utley, who had both reached base after being hit by the pitch, with nobody out, making it 7-4 Phils. Two batters later, with one man out, Ibanez hit a solo shot, his third home run of the season, to make the score 8-4 Phils. In the bottom half of the inning, the Nats got two of the runs back on an one-out, two-run home run by Dunn, his second home run of the season, scoring Guzman, who had earlier singled, making it an 8-6 Phils’ lead. The Phils added an insurance run in the eighth, as Victorino hit a sacrifice fly, scoring pinch hitter Eric Bruntlett, who had earlier doubled and moved to third on a Rollins’ ground out, 4-3. In the ninth inning, the Nats made the game close as Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-run home run, with no one out, his second home run of the season, off of closer Brad Lidge, knocking in pinch runner Alberto Gonzalez, who was pinch running for Guzman, who had earlier singled, making it a 9-8 Phillies’ lead. But that would be the final score as Lidge went on to strike out Dunn on five pitches, get Dukes to strike out on four pitches and then get Nick Johnson to ground out to Howard for the final out, to record his third save of the season.
Jamie Moyer got the win as he pitched a good game for the Phillies, going six innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks, as he struck out five. His record is now 1-1 with a too high ERA of 6.55. Clay Condrey pitched two thirds of an inning, giving up two runs on two hits. Scott Eyre went a third of an inning, getting out the only man he would face. Ryan Madson then pitched a scoreless eighth inning, holding the lead as he struck out two. Brad Lidge recorded his third save of the year as he went one inning, giving up two runs on two hits, as he struck out two men. Daniel Carbera got a no-decision as he pitched five innings, giving up four runs, only one of which was earned, on six hits and two walks, while striking out only two batters. Julian Tavarez then pitched two thirds of an inning, giving up a walk, as he struck out two. Mike Hinckley then pitched a third of an inning, striking out the only man he would face. Saul Rivera took the lost as he pitched an inning, giving up four runs on two hits and two hit batters, as he struck out one Phil. His record is now 0-1 with a 8.44 ERA. Wilfredo Ledezma would pitch an inning, giving up a run on one hit. Joe Beimel pitched a scoreless ninth, giving up only one hit.
The Phils collected ten hits in the game, with Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez leading the way with two hits each. Howard and Ibanez both hit home runs, with Howard’s being a three-run blast and Ibanez’s a solo shot, while Ibanez also hit a double. Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Pedro Feliz and Eric Bruntlett had the Phils’ other four hits, with Victorino’s hit being a solo home run, while Rollins and Bruntlett’s hits were doubles. Besides Howard’s three RBI’s and Ibanez’s one, Victorino knocked in two, the second one on a sac fly, Rollins knocked in a run, Jamie Moyer plated a run with a sacrifice fly and Coste brought in one on a bases loaded walk. Howard raised his batting average to .345 and Werth increased his to .357 with their two hits, while Feliz is now hitting .364 thanks to his lone hit. Utley’s batting average dropped down to .400 as he went 0 for 4 in the game.
The Phillies (4-3) have the day off tomorrow. Although they were originally schedule to go to the White House to meet the President, that function has been cancelled because of Harry Kalas’ death earlier this afternoon. The next Phillies’ game will be played against the Nationals (0-7) Wednesday night from Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The game will start at 7:05 pm Eastern. The Phillies will send to the mound Joe Blanton (0-1, 15.75), who is coming off a no-decision against the Braves on April 9, when he went only four innings, giving up nine runs on eleven hits and two walks, while striking out six, in the Phils 12-11 come from behind win. Blanton will be looking to improve upon his previous start. The Nationals’ starter is yet to be announced. The Phils will be looking to make it four wins in a row on Wednesday.
The Phillies announced that they have lost their voice as Harry Kalas dies in Washington hospital hours before today’s game.
This was earlier posted on Phillies.com:
Phils broadcaster Kalas passes away
Long-time announcer collapses prior to Monday’s game
WASHINGTON — Long-time Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas died at 1:20 p.m. ET Monday, shortly after collapsing in the team’s broadcast booth before the scheduled series opener against the Nationals.
“We lost Harry. I’ve been 39 years with the Phillies and 39 years with Harry and, as I said in this clubhouse, we lost our voice today,” said team president and CEO David Montgomery at about 1:50 p.m. outside the team’s clubhouse. “He has loved our game and made just a tremendous contribution to our sport and certainly to our organization.”
The 73-year old Kalas was found in the team’s broadcast booth around 12:30 p.m. and was taken to George Washington University Medical Center. Team officials quickly cleared the locker room and talked with the Phillies.
Montgomery said he didn’t know the exact cause of death yet.
“I know that when they took him away that they were very concerned,” he said.
Kalas had been the team’s broadcaster for the past 38 years. Prior to that, he was a member of the Houston Astros’ broadcast team from 1965-70. He was inducted into the broadcaster’s wing of the Hall of Fame in 2002 and received the 2002 Ford C. Frick Award.
Montgomery said Monday’s game would be played, but that the Phillies were going to reach out to the White House and pass up Tuesday’s scheduled trip there.
H/T Phillies.com
Like a lot of Phillies’ fans, I grew up listening to both him and Richie Ashburn. Now they’re both gone. Goodbye, Harry, thanks for all those wonderful broadcasts, and I hope that Richie will be the first one there to meet you in broadcaster heaven.
Excuse me, folks, but I need a hanky.
Several Phillies announcers are up for the Ford C. Frick Award for Broadcasting.
The former center fielder and offensive catalyst, who entered the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as a player in 1995, is among the names on the preliminary ballot for the Ford C. Frick Award.
The award is given to a broadcaster yearly, and this is the first step in the process. The top three vote-getters by the fans automatically qualify for the 10-member ballot that will be announced Oct. 6.
Ashburn,the longtime colorful color man to Hall of Famer announcer Harry Kalas, known as “Whitey,” could be named in July. Veteran announcers Chris Wheeler, Larry Andersen and former broadcaster Andy Musser are also included on the ballot.
Andersen, who completed his 11th season as a broadcaster, is on the preliminary ballot for the second time.
The Ford C. Frick Award recognizes one broadcaster each year who is then enshrined with the immortal voices of the sport. Legends Kalas (2002) and Byrum Saam (1990) are already enshrined in the broadcasters’ wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and wouldn’t mind company.
Of the 122,505 fans who participated in the online election last year, 82,304 (67.2 percent) voted for Joe Nuxhall, who died Nov. 15 from pneumonia at the age of 79. King received 7,659 votes and Morgan 6,065.
More than 470,000 votes were cast in the first five years of online balloting. Bay Area broadcaster Lon Simmons, who won the award in 2004, received the most fan votes in ’03. Niehaus topped the online voting in ’04 and King was the leader in ’05 and ’06.
Voters are asked to base selections on the following criteria — longevity; continuity with a club; honors, including national assignments such as the World Series and All-Star Games; and popularity with fans.
The voting electorate consists of 20 members, featuring 2005 Ford C. Frick Award winner Jerry Coleman and the other living Frick Award winners, including Marty Brennaman, Joe Garagiola, Ernie Harwell, Jaime Jarrin, Milo Hamilton, Kalas, Felo Ramirez, Vin Scully, Simmons and Bob Uecker. Paper ballots will be cast by voting members in January and the final results will be announced by the Hall of Fame in February.
Ashburn, arguably the most popular athlete in Philadelphia sports history, was enshrined as a player in 1995 by the Veterans Committee. Retiring in 1962, he joined the broadcast team of Saam and Bill Campbell, then teamed with Kalas beginning in 1971. His 35-year broadcasting career ended when he passed away on Sept. 9, 1997.
This season marks Wheeler’s 36th year with the Phillies. He joined the organization in 1971 — the first year of Veterans Stadium — as assistant director of publicity and public relations. He was added to the broadcast team in 1977 and has been on the air since.
Along with Kalas, Wheeler has witnessed many of the greatest games in Phillies history. He helped call three no-hitters, as well as a World Series championship in 1980 and National League pennants in 1976-78, ’83 and ’93.
Musser spent all 26 of his seasons with the Phillies from 1976-2001. He replaced Saam in 1976 and formed a trio with Kalas and Ashburn for more than 20 years. Musser missed only two games while with the Phillies because of laryngitis.
Other candidates with Philadelphia broadcasting ties are John Gordon — who began his career in 1965 with the Spartanburg Phillies — Tim McCarver (1980-82) and Al Helfer (1958). (H/T Phillies.com)
So, Richie Ashburn can be in the Hall not only for his bat and glove but also for his voice? Never thought that would ever be possible. Well, I’d already voted, and who did I vote for? Ashburn, Tony Kubeck and Phil Rizzuto. Go Richie!!!
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