-Richard Ashburn, on behalf of the entire Ashburn family
"Harry was a special friend of mine and my family for 44 years. Baseball broadcasters become an integral part of baseball fans' families. They are in the homes of fans every day for the entire season. No one will ever be able to match the joy Harry and Richie Ashburn brought to our fans for all those years. He had a great voice, understood and loved the game, and loved people. That's why I brought him here in 1971. My family and I and all of our fans will always have a place in our hearts for Harry."
-Bill Giles
"I was saddened today to hear of the sudden passing of my longtime close friend Harry Kalas. I know I can speak for the Phillies when I say Harry Kalas was loved by everyone. All of us could relate to our daily confrontations with his smile, his charm, and his warmth. He spread his passion for people, and baseball, all over the country for almost 50 years. His voice will resonate in my mind the rest of my life. I will never be called 'Michael Jack' again without seeing his smile. I and my wife Donna pray for the entire Kalas family that they might find peace during this trying time."
-Mike Schmidt
"It's devastating. Harry Kalas IS the Phillies. The fans lost a friend and we [those who were fortunate enough to be able to spend time with him] lost more than that, we lost a family member."
-John Kruk
"It was an honor to have Harry call ANY play I ever made. The fact that he called me Mitchy-poo on air… I didn't want any one to know about that nickname, but somehow with Harry it was okay. He is probably one of two announcers that you didn't have to see to know who it was. He was the best!"
-Mitch Williams
"I first got to know Harry when I was managing Spokane in the Pacific Coast League. He had started his career in Hawaii in the same league. He loved the game of baseball back then. When I got to Philadelphia, I learned first-hand how much he loved the Phillies and their fans. He was a great human being with a great voice. He will be sorely missed by millions of fans."
-Danny Ozark
"We came up together. In my mind he WAS the Philadelphia Phillies. I've never heard a voice like his and I never will again. He was not only a great person, but a great friend."
-Greg Luzinski
"I spent my whole baseball life listening to Harry. All the highlights … he had such a distinctive voice. He was a fan favorite and a favorite of all the players, too. He will be missed."
-Greg Gross
"Harry was as good a colleague as any sportscaster could hope to have. He was easy to get along with and I certainly enjoyed my 26 years sharing the booth with Harry. When I joined the Phillies in 1976 I had been a sportscaster in Philadelphia doing Eagles and 76ers games, and although I had been a baseball fan since my youth, I had never really broadcast the game. Harry showed me the ropes like only he could. I am more than grateful and will miss him every day I am fortunate enough to remain on this earth."
-Andy Musser
"For me, he was the voice that meant the Phillies. For me, baseball always brought you back to your youth. He spoke the language of your youth. Whether the Phillies were winning or losing you could hear the love of baseball and the love of the Phillies in Harry's voice. It is a very sad day."
-Jim Gardner
"He was one of my favorite people of all-time. We both loved to go to the dog track during spring training. Every day after the workout or game, we would sit by the pool and go over the track form for that night. If you didn't love Harry, something was wrong with you."
-Ron Reed
"The greatest man I ever met, Harry Kalas. Kim and I named our youngest son after Harry Andrew Kalas Wilson. What a pleasure to have been able to be around him for four years."
-Glenn Wilson
"The Phillies organization took pride in making sure everyone felt like they were part of a family. All of the years I spent with Harry seemed to take it a step further. Harry was considered a teammate. Relationships and circumstances were certainly different back in the day….we ate together, drank together, went on vacations together. There is a bond and level of respect that will remain always.
"As our loved ones pass on, it truly amazes me the impact they have made on so many lives. Harry obviously impacted us on a global scale. I have only been to Cooperstown once in my life…. the day Harry was inducted.
"Today the streets of Philadelphia mourn but the gates of Heaven are rejoicing….'For a wonderful man has fulfilled his obligation to society.' My heart and prayers go out to Eileen, Todd, Brad and Kane."
-Darren Daulton
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