Losing a voice

Harry Kalas, the voice of the Phillies passed away today at the age of 73. Kalas also worked as the voice-over for NFL Films and called NFL games on the radio for Westwood One which were carried here locally in San Diego.

Kalas’s distinctive leathery rasp cut through the air the moment you turned on the radio. There was absolutely no confusing it with anybody else.

For Gen-Xers that grew up listening to the radio, we’ve lost another one of the old guard – those friendly voices that provided the soundtrack to summer evenings or made those drives in the car in the fall and winter just a little bit shorter.

And speaking of the old guard, below is a transcript of Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully, working in a few words last Thursday about young Angel pitcher Nick Adenhart who was killed in a hit and run traffic accident last week, hours after completing his first major league start.

If I may speak for every member of the Dodger organization, our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the mother and family of Nick Adenhart, and to every member in the Angels organization, for the untimely accident and death of young Nick last night at the tender age of twenty-two. Nick, from Maryland, had pitched six scoreless innings and was in a car with three friends, and a driver apparently went through a red light and T-boned the car, killing three of the four, including Nick, and one other member is in critical condition. And if there is one thing I’ve learned in all my years — and I haven’t learned much — but the one thing I’ve learned: Don’t even waste your time trying to figure out life.

Ground ball through for Andre Ethier, and life continues for those who still have it. And with a leadoff single, Russell Martin will be coming up.

But I would say, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take a moment and say a prayer in memory for Nick, especially for his parents. What a shock to lose a twenty-two-year-old.

Andre Ethier at first base, Russell Martin the batter, James Loney on deck, and the Dodgers try to strike in the second inning against Kevin Correia.

Pure Vinny. The game, the narrative, the sentiment all wove together in a seamless fashion.

One of these days we’re going to wake up and wonder what happened to all our old friends.

H/T: Deadspin