Remembering Harry Kalas: Wonderful Stories from Friends Celebrating a Great Life

by Rich Wolfe

When beloved Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster died suddenly at the beginning of the 2009 season, it was front-page news. Games were dedicated to his memory. His memorial service was attended by thousands. Tributes poured in from around the country.Now, this book collects stories about the remarkable Harry Kalas told by the people who knew him best--colleagues, players, coaches, and friends. It takes readers into the locker rooms and press boxes, and out to the golf course and restaurants as an all star cast tells their favorite stories about the man they all loved.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Baseball

269 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2009

Reviews

[Nehi Stauffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you grew up listening to Harry Kalas, you will greatly enjoy this book. Full of personal stories and anecdotes, the humility, goodness and, dare I say, greatness of Harry the K is breathtaking.

[Jim Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. A nice collection of stories about Harry. Love that he sang High Hopes and dressed the way he did for a reason.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously this book isn't perfect because it was rushed for publication (conveniently, it was on sale the week before Father's Day), since there are a few grammatical errors that didn't get caught by proofers and even a page that seems to be missing from one of the essays included. Also, many of the stories included in the book are ones that those who watched Harry Kalas's funeral service have already heard, but that doesn't mean this isn't an outstanding collection about an outstanding man.

And he's a "man," which was the surprise I got while reading the book. Obviously, the book largely lauds Harry's magnanimity and, of course, his voice and lifelong love of baseball. But his heavy smoking and drinking doesn't get glossed over, and his recent declining in health certainly is mentioned as well. His divorce is mentioned and, to be sure, his devastation over Richie Ashburn's death (as so eloquently described by Kent Tekulve in the final essay in the book). So even though Harry was an awesome, one-of-a-kind announcer that no one, in the Philadelphia area at least, will ever come close to "replacing," because that would be an impossible and really unfair job for anyone to attempt it.

I know I still have a hard time watching or listening to Phillies games (as I'm doing right now) because I can't hear Harry call them. But I've loved reading and reminiscing about him in Wolfe's book, and I look forward to reading and hearing more of these stories as they continue to come forth.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my first Rich Wolfe book and, frankly, I put it down terribly disappointed.

I grew up listening to Harry Kalas with my father. Countless nights after mowing the lawn, after work, after playing ball at the playground, we sat in the backyard with the radio and listened as Harry and Whitey painted a picture like no others.

Wolfe, in what I consider a narcissistic endeavor, moves the attention from Harry to himself. The editing of the various contributions from others is very choppy. The additions of anecdotes and useless facts takes the focus away from Harry and distracts the reader. The order of the stories makes no logical sense. In fact, the only thing I liked about the book is the fact it is about Harry.

Sorry, Rich, but I will not be back for your other works.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book filled with loving stories about a Philadelphia treasure! Many times a tear or tears were brought to my eyes reading about the love this man, either directly or indirectly gave to everyone. It just is not the same in the Philly area without Harry the K calling the Phillies games. He is a major part of my childhood and that is all gone now. Whitey, Harry and most recently Andy are all gone now, keeping God company by calling the great baseball games they are playing in Heaven.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing stories of the legions of folks who were in some way touched by Harry Kalas. Brought back many great memories for this long time Phillies fan. I'm willing to overlook the many grammatical and editing errors in the book, due to the fact the book was rushed out to the stores shortly after Harry's death. This is worth the read for anyone who is a Phillies fan and a fan of Harry. RIP.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know he was a great guy, but story after story of this gets monotonous after a while. I actually feel a little guilty writing this, because I still miss hearing him broadcast Phillies games. But I wish this book had been better - it would have made a much better tribute to his memory if it had been.

[Nicholas Manton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intended for only those who love baseball and the announcer we knew as Harry Kalas. It is his friends, family, and loved ones remembering the great the stories they shared with Harry. The book helps you realize just who he was.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Harry and the Phillies, this is a must read book. Full of great stories...

[Paul Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of stories about the Voice of the Phillies, Harry Kalas. Some great stories and refections on the man he was.