2002 Ford C. Frick Award Winner Harry Kalas

Harry Kalas, longtime announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies, was the 2002 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award.

A native of Naperville, Ill., Kalas graduated from the University of Iowa in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech, Radio, and Television. The affable broadcaster was drafted into the military on graduation day and spent the following two years in Hawaii with the U.S. Army. In 1961, he served as sports director of radio station KGU and also began broadcasting for the Pacific Coast League's Hawaii Islanders as well as the University of Hawaii.

An original member of the Astros broadcast team in 1965, he called games for Houston until 1970. In 1971, he moved to the Phillies broadcast booth, where he shared the microphone with Hall of Fame outfielder Richie Ashburn for 26 seasons. Kalas was honored as Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year 18 times. He also broadcast Big Five basketball and Notre Dame football.

Kalas, revered for his uncanny ability to connect with his listeners, whether on radio or television, called more than 5,000 Phillies games. His passion for the game was unsurpassed, and his powerful, soothing voice was a summertime tradition throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.

Kalas passed away on April 13, 2009.