ANNIVERSARY: 10 Years Ago Today the Phillies Win the World Series

Just wanted to post a couple of pictures to remember a great night from a decade ago.

Game Ticket 2008 World Series Game 5. 2008 OCT 27 & 29

 Pat Burrell prior to the last game he would ever play with the Phillies

Harry Kalas on about to perform his final World Series Broadcast.

 Ryan Howard

Jamie Moyer carrying the rubber from the CBP pitchers Mound

 Jimmy Rollins

Don Zimmer

One of my more common avatars

Links and Sources

2008 World Series Game 5 index

2008 World Champion Phillies Player Indices

Welcome to the Hall of Fame Jim Thome

Last night we got the good news that a Phillies Fan Favorite was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame. \

2005 Fleer Skybox Autographics #43 Jim Thome

I don't need to get into his HOF credentials here, I mentioned them last month in our HOF ballot series.

The above 2005 Skybox Autographics set gets a fair on my design scale. Nothing really going for it, but inoffensive.

The real reason I was interested in posting this card for the HOF election announcement is the back

Flip

2005 Fleer Skybox Autographics #43 Jim Thome (b-side)

The last sentence in the text mentions Thome's 400th HR which occurred in a game that Team Phungo is very happy to say that we had the chance to attend.

2004 0614 Game Ticket Reds @ Phillies

The Phillies won the game 10-7, Jim Thome wasted no time getting his milestone Homer, a 2-run shot off of Jose Acevedo.  A video of the Home Run along with the call by Harry Kalas can be found here. It was a fun night and I am glad we live in an era when I can dial up the memory check out a video of the event just about anytime I want.

Returning to the b-side of the card I would like to take a look at the second half of the last sentence. Fleer mentions that a day prior to Thome's 400th Homer, Ken Griffey Jr had hit #499. Junior may be universally loved, however...

Check the ticket

Who did the Phillies play the day after Griffey hit #499? The Reds, Who did Griffey play for in 2004? the Reds! Therefore....

Ken Griffey was in town with 499 Career Homers the night Jim Thome hit his 400th Home Run. How cool would it have been to have 400th & 500th HR hit in the same game?!

Well it didn't happen.

Griffey sat out the game and hit #500 a week later.

Other Tributes
The Phillies Room - 2011 Phillies Team S2 #25
White Sox Cards - 2007 Heritage #33
Once a Cub - 1999 Fleer #95 (Game Dated Card)
Indian Baseball Cards Always Sketch card
My PCs one card at a time - 2001 Fleer E-X #48
Card Buzz - Canton Akron Classic Best Card
Padrographs - Custom

Sources and Links
Jim Thome Index
Jim Thome 400th HR Index
Game Dated Cards

Checklist 2012 Phungo

This is the Checklist for 2012 Phungo

 2012 Phungo #1 Harry Kalas

 

(checklist upcoming someday) 

2012 Phungo Cards - Harry Kalas

The card #1 honor in this years Phungo set once again goes to Harry Kalas.  

 

I believe this is at least the 5th time Kalas has appeared or made an impression on a Phungo card.  He was part of the oriiginal 2009 set then in 2010 Card #1 was dedicated to Kalas in a Memorium card.  That same year we produced a Mike Schmidt card that was the home to the Harry Kalas shrine following the broadcasters death.  The 2011 Raul Ibanez card also contained an homage to Kalas as the Harry Kalas memorial banner at Citizen's Bank Ballpark looms in the background.

 

 2012 Phungo #1 Harry Kalas

 

It is hard to make out but there is a black and white photo of Kalas in the background of the photo above - it is above the right shoulder of the Kalas statue.  I like the look - it appears as if Kalas the statue is thinking about Kalas the Man.  It isn't as clear as I would like on the card, and I may experiment with retaking a photo at a similar angle in an attempt to get a better shot in the future. 

 

Phillies fans will miss Harry Kalas for at least a generation, perhaps forever with the amount of audio and video we have at our dispoal.  It is nice that the Fans and the Phillies have worked together to memorialize Kalas, and it adds a bit of enjoyment to my life persnally to be able to create a card dedicated to the teams beloved broadcaster.

 

2010 Phungo Cards - Harry Kalas

2010 Phungo #1 Harry Kalas

The first card in the Phungo set is this non-numbered Harry Kalas card. I chose the simple black border with Kalas' Birth and Death dates. Nothing more was needed.

This picture was originally taken on October 29th 2008 only a few hours before Kalas would call the final out of the 2008 World Series. For me it never gets old.

There is one other Harry Kalas Card in the 2010 Phungo Set.

2010 Phungo #20 Mike Schmidt - Harry Kalas Memorial

The Mike Schmidt Statue at the Phillies Ballpark became an impromptu memorial following Kalas' death last spring. Fans left behind flowers, posters, photos, bottles of beer, and other mementos to honor Kalas.

The Schmidt Statue was created by Zeno Frudakis as were all four statues (Richie Ashburn, Robin Roberts, Steve Carlton) at the Phillies new ballpark.

Today is Martin Luther King day and I would also like to direct you to this link which shows a Frudakis work in progress of Dr King.

These are the 2nd and 3rd Kalas Phungo cards. I created one for the 2009 set which you can see in this post which followed Kalas' death last year. The post details one of my favorite brushes with greatness.

Frank Deford Tribute to Kalas and Harwell

The Phillies will later today embark on their first Post-Season of my lifetime without Harry Kalas along for the ride. As sad as this is to think about it is good to know that, after covering years of futility, Kalas did get to cover the Philllies 2008 World Series victory prior to his passing.

The Phils will face off in the NLDS against the Colorado Rockies. The last game that Harry Kalas ever broadcast was on Easter Sunday, back in April, versus the Rockies.

Last week NPR Sports Columnist and Commentator Frank Deford honored both Kalas and long time Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell during his Wednesday commentary. For the text and audio from his commentary click here.

Mike Schmidt Day at 30-Year Old Cardboard

I just wanted to let Phillies Fans and Phungo Readers know that 30-Year Old Cardboard has put together a great set of posts regarding Mike Schmidt to commemorate his 60th birthday (on Sunday Sept 27th).

Thanks Brian and Happy Birthday to Michael Jack!


2009 04 19 Harry Kalas Memorial at Mike Schmidt Statue (Click to Enlarge)

*Harry Kalas called every one of Mike Schmidt's 548 career Home Runs.

Phungo Game Report - 2009 09 02 - Giants 0 @ Phillies 1

2009 Phungo #35 Cole Hamels

It was a perfect night for baseball and Cole Hamels was nearly perfect himself.

Cole threw a complete game shutout against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night allowing just two hits and a walk while pitching to 2 over the minimum (1 runner erased via pickoff). Jonathan Sanchez was nearly as good as he only allowed one run on an double Ryan Howard hit through a drawn in infield.

Here are some quick shots from last nights game:

Newest Giant Brad Penny

Giants Phenom Tim Lincecum


Raul Ibanez and Harry Kalas Memorial Banner

Other game observations - I cannot figure out why anybody would pitch to Howard right now, He is Red hot while Jayson Werth has sort of fallen off after a couple of great weeks, and after him the rest of the lineup is pretty quiet. Ibanez is really struggling.

Good Guy Awards go out to Phils Phan Phavorite Aaron Rowand and Tim Lincecum who both were spotted siging autograps. Chase Utley gets a GGA for the home team for signing a handul of autos just before game time.

In the Phungo Card above I have listed Hamels postion as ACE, because he was the Ace of the 2008 team and the card number is 35 to match his uni number. I like this one. It is a good action shot and fairly clear.

Phillies 2009 Alumni Night

First off I want to let everyone know that there is still time to get involved in the

John Hughes Memorial Trading Card Trivia Contest!

It's looking like a crummy weather day here in the Northeast, I'm sure there are some 80s trivia buffs out there who could waste 20 minutes on the net finding the answers, and someone has to challenge Dayf.

Moving on to the present post:

Alumni Night was a bit of a bummer for several reasons. The Phils lost for the 2nd game in a row v the 2nd place Marlins. The Phils appeared to have a favorable pitching matchup (Cole Hamels v Sean West). The Alumni accessibility was not as good as expected. And finally we got caught up in a traffic jam on the way home.

Within the game itself the Marlins were terribly sloppy but the Phils let the Fish off the hook several times by going about 2 for 20 with runners on base. The Marlins won 6-4. Dingers were hit for the bad guys by Chris Coghlan (member of Phungo Fantasy Squad at least) and Cody Ross. Former Phil Brian Sanches got the W in relief, Cole Hamels was unimpressive in yet another loss and failed to go 6 innings. On a positive note Ryan Howard looked good without hitting a homer - a rare event. He has not been hitting well recently, hopefully his 4-4 night gets him out of his slump.

Despite the frustrating loss, I did have a good time and I am glad I went. I was able to pick up a couple of autos and got a couple of decent pictures.

Here are some of the hilights (all pix can be clicked to enlarge):

Harry Kalas was this years inductee to the Phillies Wall of Fame, this is his brand new plaque.


Phils New Addition:
Anybody notice anything odd about the above picture?



Mickey Morandini


Jim Eisenreich



National Anthem with Phillies Alumni and Current Phillies on the field

Close Up of Alums including all four Phils living HOFs

And I got some shots of the bad guys.



This is what Chris Coghlan looks like right before he hits a homer to center field

and Marlins Pitcher Sean West:


I met West's Aunt and Uncle at a local restaurant last year and have been following him a bit since then. He is young and has had mixed starts this year. Last night he was fair at best, he was able to get out of a few jams, but lasted less than 5 innings. The Marlins bullpen did a great job of holding the Phils in check and along with Chris Coghlan were the stars of the game.

Hall of Fame Thursday - Harry Kalas

Harry Kalas 2008 10 29

Harry Kalas received the Ford C Frick Award for his Broadcasting Contributions to Baseball in 2002. For Hall of Fame Thursday I have collected a few links on Kalas. This is his Baseball Hall of Fame Bio and here is his the text of his Frick Award acceptance Speech. Philly Sports Hall of Fame Bio (Kalas was a member of the Charter Class - 2004). There is also a Harry Kalas Obituary on Baseball Prospectus.

Various Card Blogger Links on the Harry Kalas Passings - Including Mark Fidrych postings that mention Kalas:

Sports Card Info
Stale Gum
The Phillies Room

A Cardboard Problem
Bad Wax
bdj610's Topps Baseball Card Blog

Cardboard Junkie
Grand Cards
Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius

Lake Effect Baseball Cards
Long Fly Ball To Because.....
Paul's Random Stuff

Rain of Error
Taste Like Dirt
Wait 'til Next Year

Wax Heaven
White Sox Cards


That is a bunch of great tributes, I am glad so many card bloggers paid tribute to the Philadelphia Broadcaster and Icon.

My Harry Kalas Memory

I met Harry Kalas once.

Sort of, This was in November of 1997, I was on a flight back to Philadelphia from a fun-filled football trip to see the Vikings host the Patriots in Minnesota. I was sitting in my seat blankly gazing towards the front of the plane when, to my shock, I recognized Kalas walking up the aisle. Then to my thrill (and fear) he sat down in the empty seat across from me. I wasn't sure what to do - I have had very few "brushes with fame". Finally after a few moments of self-debate (and composing myself) I said something like "Excuse Me, I'm Paul and I am a big Phillies Fan" l offered my hand and Harry Kalas shook it. He was very gracious and told me he was covering the football game for Westwood One - We discussed the game for a little bit and I remember specifically talking about Cris Carter. This all happened prior to take off - after that I let him be, although if I would of talked to him the entire flight, I am sure he would have been more than happy to oblige.

When it came time to disembark, Harry told me it was a pleasure - He had even gone to the trouble of remembering my name - and then he walked off the plane.

2009 Phungo #58 Harry Kalas

This is the Harry Kalas Phungo card. I thought I would post this card on a much happier occasion. Last week when Harry threw out the first pitch for the Ring Ceremony game would have been a happy occasion. Here he is getting ready toss out the first pitch on October 2nd of last year this is prior to game 2 of the NLDS.

That was the Brett Myers game, the Shane Victorino game and also the C C Sabathia game.

The Phils had already won game one of the five game set, but were still looking at the possibility of facing CC twice in the series. That all changed on October 2nd. In the bottom of the 2nd with the score tied, a man on third and two outs, Brett Myers came to the plate in what one would assume would be an automatic out....Instead, during an epic confrontation, Myers fouled off several offerings from the Milwaukee ace before working a nine pitch walk. Two Batters later Shane Victorino hit a Grand Slam. It would be the last time Sabathia pitched for the Brewers.

Harry Kalas (1936-2009)

To me Harry Kalas, as much as anyone in sports, understood that sports is about the fan. He understood what Autographs and Photos meant to them and was always accommodating. This is what gave Harry Kalas the "everyman" quality. He was like a regular guy that just happened to have the great job of broadcasting the Philadelphia Phillies.

I will likely have a couple of Harry Kalas columns over the next week, but I will need to take some time to get my thoughts together and give the posts the proper care. Until then I would like to pass along some of the more interesting tidbits that come to mind.

Harry Kalas called every one of Michael Jack Schmidt's 548 Career Home Runs. I doubt anybody has called more homers by a single player.

Harry Kalas was the Phillies broadcaster since 1971, He covered over 6000 games. Prior to that he was the original broadcaster for the Houston Colt 45s and Astros.

I am 41 years old and Harry Kalas is the only Phillies Primary broadcaster that I have ever known.

In addition to Phillies Baseball, Kalas covered college basketball locally and NFL football for Westwood One.

He has also been the voice of NFL films and many a commercial.

Kalas was the final speaker at the closing ceremonies of Veteran's Stadium. He also removed the "one game to go banner" during the game.

Harry Kalas threw out the first pitch prior to the Phillies ring ceremony game this Past Thursdsay. This was the last Phillies home game Harry ever covered.

As a youngster Kalas grew up as a Washington Senators Fan. He said that during a rain delay at his first game, Mickey Vernon took the young Harry Kalas into the Senators dugout and introduced him to his teammates. Kalas said right then he was a baseball fan and a Senators Fan.

Today he died in Washington D.C. The home of the team he once rooted for, He likely passed away in the broadcast booth - where he performed the job he loved.

As you may know, Harry's Son Todd covers the Tampa Bay Rays. In a recent interview, Harry Kalas spoke of how special it was to cover the 2008 World Series and he said it was even more rewarding knowing that his son covered the games for the opposition.

Due to the MLB broadcasting exclusivity rights of the time Kalas was unable to call the Phillies 1980 World Championship. If you ever hear him calling Tug McGraw's strikeout, it was dubbed in after the event. The exclusivity arrangement was altered three years after the 1980 season to allow local radio to carry their own broadcasters. Harry Kalas credited the fans of Philadelphia for getting the broadcasting rules changed.

It would take 28 years but this Past October Harry Kalas did get to call the final out of a Phillies World Series victory.

Harry Kalas has Died

The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that Hall of Fame Broadcaster Harry Kalas has died.

Phillies.com report.

He had been taken to a Washington DC Hospital after passing out in the Press Box at Nationals Stadium.