Monday, 11 May 2026

Harry Kalas

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Commentators 2026
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Baseball & Football
Statistics & Accolades: National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame
Ford C. Frick Award
Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
National Radio Hall of Fame
Before Harry Kalas became the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, the man with the smooth baritone voice called games for the Houston Astros, where he had the privilege of calling the first game in the Astrodome. In 1970, he began a nearly 40-year association with the Phillies and quickly became the most recognized voice in the organization's history.

“Harry the K” worked with Hall of Fame player Richie Ashburn for 26 years and remained in the booth until 2009, when he literally collapsed while preparing for Opening Day. The Phils went on to win the game in his honor, and years later, a bronze statue was placed outside of Citizens Bank Park.

Beyond the diamond, Kalas replaced the legendary John Facenda as the voice for NFL Films, and in what became a pre-Super Bowl tradition, he called the first five Puppy Bowls.

We are proud to nominate Harry Kalas for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.