Kalas Understood the Importance of Relationships

The late, great Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas will be laid to rest tomorrow, exactly one week after the news of his passing sent shockwaves throughout the sports world and Delaware Valley. With a powerful and moving ceremony yesterday at Citizens Bank Park, Phillies fans, current players, ex-players, Phillies staff, friends and family were able to pay their final respects to a man who, regardless of how well you knew him, made an impact on everybody he came across.

For the past 38 years, Kalas called play-by-play for the Phillies, with phrases like "outta here!" and "swing and a miss, struck 'em out" becoming commonplace in the lives of Phillies fans. For more than 6,000 days from April to October, Kalas entered our homes and became, essentially, part of our family. As I watched yesterday's tribute, Governor Ed Rendell noted that aside from our direct family members, Kalas' voice was probably the one we've heard the most throughout our life. No wonder I, and many fans, feel like we've lost a family member.

While he will be remembered as the voice of the Phillies and his calls will live on forever, what made Kalas truly special was how much he cared about not only his profession as a broadcaster, but the people he came in contact with. Mike Schmidt noted that often, our heroes in the public sphere disappoint us when we meet them in person, but not Kalas. He was as genuine a human being as you could find, always stopping to sign an autograph, talk about the game or record your cell phone voicemail message with an "outta here!" homerun call.

We often don't realize the positive impact we can make on other people. We may think that we're just one person, or the things we do don't make a difference. But, as Kalas demonstrated throughout his 73 years of life, the little things do make a difference.

Think of all the people Kalas took time to have a conversation with, or all the baseballs he stopped to sign for fans. Think of the millions of people who relied on Kalas every summer night to tell the story of their beloved baseball team, making the game meaningful and interesting even though the Phillies might've been 17 games out of first place in mid-August. Think of those same fans who, when they think of any big moment in Phillies history, have Kalas' voice attached to the play. Think of the same fans who, over the past week, have remembered over tears of sadness and joy the life of a man many of whom never met.

As a broadcaster for the Phillies, Kalas had the unique privilege of having a public pulpit, a privilege he did not take lightly. While for so many broadcasters their job is simply their job, Kalas made it, and the game, his life. He found it so important to make a positive impact on everybody he came across, whether you were Hall-of-Famer Michael Jack Schmidt or a cab driver in South Philadelphia. Kalas treated everybody equally and with the utmost kindness, making a lasting impression on those he came across.

While those of us in the general public may not have the public pulpit Kalas had, we should all follow his example in the way we live our lives. Take that extra moment in your life to talk to somebody, regardless of how well you know them. Give somebody a hand the next time they need help. Smile and help brighten someone's day. Go about life with a positive attitude and never underestimate your ability to make an impact on your fellow man, regardless of how small or insignificant it may seem.

After all, the past week has shown how one person can make such an impact.

Best regards,

Wes Schmidt

President of Public Relations

WesleyS@moxiecommunication.net