Philadelphia Freedom, Shine on me

A memorial service was held today at Citizens Bank Park for the voice of the Phillies through all of our lives, the great Harry Kalas. This week as I was changing channels I came across a Phillies game and was just a little saddened not to hear his voice.

I saw an interview with one of his sons and it was very inspiring. His son didn't know why, but a few days before his father passed away he went down to see him at spring training. It wasn't that far fetched because they were both in Florida, but it wasn't something he normally would have done. They went out to a racetrack or something similar that they always went to together and when they were leaving Harry told his son he was pretty sure that was the last time he was going to be there which his son found odd. He died calling a Phillies game and had a terrific life, we should all be as lucky doing what we love to do until the very end.

Harry got to call the Phillies though the World Series as they became world champions, and got more applause from the crowd during the parade than almost all of the players. Talk about going out on top. You'll be missed Harry!

(Photo credit goes to my cousin Jacob Hanson who no doubt was at the memorial)

*Title from Philadelphia Freedom, sung by Elton John in 1975