Long-time Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas collapsed and died this afternoon, in the midst of preparing for the airing of the Phils/Nats contest from Washington, D.C.  He was 73 years old.

“We lost Harry. I’ve been 39 years with the Phillies and 39 years with Harry and, as I said in this clubhouse, we lost our voice today,” said team president and CEO David Montgomery at about 1:50 p.m. outside the team’s clubhouse. “He has loved our game and made just a tremendous contribution to our sport and certainly to our organization.”

Besides being the voice of the Phillies for over 30 years, football fans know him for his voiceover work with NFL Films.  While no one could match the late John Facenda’s timbre, intonations and phrasing, Kalas came darn close.

I personally had Kalas in my top tier of active baseball announcers, along with Bob Uecker, Vin Scully, Jerry Coleman, Gary Cohen  and Tom Hamilton.

Rest in peace Harry.