Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Harry Kalas died from heart disease

WASHINGTON -- Autopsy results show that longtime Phillies TV and radio broadcaster Harry Kalas died from heart disease.

Harry Kalas died from heart disease

NFL.com Video

NFL Films takes a look back at the career of legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas.

A spokeswoman at the Washington, D.C., chief medical examiner's office said Kalas, who died Monday, had high blood pressure and suffered from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The disease, in which plaque buildup restricts blood flow in arteries, is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Known for his signature "Outta here!" home run calls, Kalas died after collapsing in the broadcast booth before the Phillies' 9-8 victory over the Washington Nationals. He was 73.

Kalas is survived by his wife and three sons, including one -- Todd -- who is a broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays. A private funeral service and burial is planned for next week.

Meanwhile, Kalas fans will have a chance to pay their respects to the legendary Phillies broadcaster.

The Phillies and Kalas family announced that a public memorial for Kalas will be held Saturday at Citizens Bank Park. Fans will be welcome from 8 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., when all fans in attendance will be directed to their seats for an on-field tribute at 1 p.m.

Philadelphia hosts the San Diego Padres at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday.

The Phillies will wear a black, circular "HK" patch this season on the front of their jerseys, near the heart, the team announced.

The team also urged fans coming to Friday night's Phillies-Padres game to arrive early for a pre-game tribute to Kalas.




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Harry Kalas, Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster and NFL Films voice, dies at 73 in Washington


Jayson Stark: Voice of Philadelphia Phillies baseball goes quiet
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Harry Kalas, Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster and NFL Films voice, dies at 73 in Washington