Phillies Phlashback: Franzke’s open after passing of Harry Kalas

By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor

Thursday marks the eight-year anniversary of Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame announcer Harry Kalas passing away prior to the team's April 13, 2009 game against the Washington Nationals. 

Just as Kalas, who won the 2002 Ford C. Frick Award, used tragedy to create an excellent moment that brought Philadelphia together after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Phillies radio voice Scott Frankze had one of the greatest moments of his career shortly after learning of the passing of Kalas. 

Prior to the game and shortly after the sudden passing of Kalas, Franzke delivered his heartfelt thoughts on the passing of Kalas: 

"The legendary Hall of Fame voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, Harry Kalas, passed away today here in Washington D.C.. He was, for 38 seasons, the voice of summer in the Delaware Valley. He was the sound of baseball for you. For many of you, he provided the soundtrack of the shore. Or your porch in South Philly. He loved this game like nothing else. And he loved being your conduit to the boys in red pinstripes or whatever uniform combination the Phillies were wearing. For us in this broadcast crew, he was our leader, our flagship and our friend. I know how much you will miss hearing his singular voice, his impeccable calls and we know that nothing, and no one, will ever replace 'Harry the K.'"  

Franzke's full six and a half minute open that day, which also featured the thoughts of broadcast partner Larry Andersen, can be found here. 

The Phillies official Twitter account tweeted out two pictures this morning in honor of Kalas, one is the statue of him in left field that the team debuted in August of 2011 and the other is his plaque on the team's Wall of Fame. 

Eight years ago today, the Phillies family was shaken by the loss of Harry Kalas.

We can never replace you, but we will always honor you. pic.twitter.com/R1kZbpK13G

— Phillies (@Phillies) April 13, 2017

H/T Matt Veasey