Not a good week for baseball

These past few days have given the sport of baseball a punch to the gut. First, the tragic loss of Nick Adenhart at the hands of an idiot drunk-driver. Next, our beloved Harry Kalas collapsed and died before the Phillies game against the Nationals. On top of that, baseball lost one of ot's most colorful figures ever in Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. The Bird played the game like he was a big kid. Before the whole glamour age of me-first athletes who only want camera time, Fidrych played with pure, unbridled joy. Although I am too young to have seen him in person, I know those wh ohave who say he was a bright star who was derailed by injuries. It's a shame.

I cannot even get into the Adenhart situation. 22 years old. That is way too young to go. I am only 27 and it gives me chills. Why some dipshit with a suspended license was able to acquire another vehicle is beyond me. He should get life or the death penalty. Oh wait. Flaming liberals are against the death penalty. RIP Nick and the fellow victims of this senseless accident.

Now, the really tough part. The great Harry the K. The man was a legend. Humble, kind, friendly and he related to the city. He was one of the last of a dying breed. he broadcasted the game and only spoke when the need arose. The guys today talk way too much. Harry loved the game, city, fans and the Phillies. He also enjoyed a heater and a beer. He was the voice of the Phillies, NFL films, and even the Puppy Bowl. He started his legacy in Houston and worked his way to Philly four decades ago. He was not embraced at first but eventually, he was part of the family.

You knew it was time for spring and summer when Harry came on the radio. I didn't live here but my fathers family did and when we would drive down, I loved hearing Harry and Whitey. They helped to love the Phillies at a young age while living in the Pittsburgh vicinity. I was among the minority but I never wavered. When I made my way to the city, I was only too happy to turn on the radio and listen to Harry with the TV on mute. I made sure to do so during the World Series run last season. I turned the TV off in the 9th inning and let Harry take over like he had so mnay times before. Once he said: "Struuuck him ouuut! The Phillies are 2008 world champions of baseballll" it was official. Only when Harry said it was it so. That applied to everything.

When Richie Ashburn passed away, it was hard on Harry and the fans. Now, with Harry gone, the city truly mourns. He was not just an announcer. He was a fan. He was a common man. He was kind and generous and he connected with everyone. There is not one person with something bad to say about him. He is family. We will always love him. We will always remember him. We will truly miss him.