Harry

For many the passing of Harry Kalas is the end of an era. Harry's voice represents their youth, the sounds of summer, two World Championships, a number of division titles and four National League pennants.

Harry's introduction to us was cruel as those of us from my generation had a similar affection to the voices of By Saam and Bill Campbell as well as Richie Ashburn. Indeed, it was the cliché that I did spend many a night hiding my little transistor radio under my pillow listening to those three broadcast (usually another loss) the Phillies from far and near. So the announcement that this new guy was coming from Houston to replace the then-aging (he's still kicking!) Bill Campbell, was not welcome news and Harry received a traditionally cool Philly welcome.

But Harry would go on to establish himself as one of the greatest voices and personalities in the history of baseball broadcasting. Only the crustiest of fans would not admit they loved the duo of Harry and Whitey, and while Harry's best days were long since past, his legend was and is still, and probably will forever be with us.

I for one, wish he had retired a couple years ago. What I saw and heard was akin to the last years of Willie Mays lumbering out to the outfield. There's something about seeing those that are larger than life go out on top, or, like Mike Schmidt, soon after realizing they had lost their greatness.

I know this is somewhat blasphemous, but it's just how I feel and it doesn't really diminish the greatness of Harry Kalas, nor does it tarnish the shining moments and spectacular calls that are emblazoned in my memories.

We'll miss you Harry, but I'm sure you're already in the broadcast booth in the sky, a pop in hand, and Whitey at your side, calling an Angels' game.

Bravos

Does any team in baseball have a worse bullpen than the Braves?

I think not. Yesterday was as disgraceful a display of putting out fires as I've seen in a whle as the Braves pitching disintegrated and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in handing the Phils a 12-11 win in a game they led 10-3 in the 7th and would have meant a sweep of the World Series champs in their lare where they went undefeated the entire post season. Uggh, Pete Moylan, Blaine Boyer? Oh well, fortunately we get to play them like 13 more times this year.

Eaton

I was going to call this post "To Eaton or Not To Eaton" but I decided to stick to the one word titles.

So, tell me, who was the idiot that thought inviting Adam Eaton to the ring ceremony was a good idea? Now, I'm all for harmony and world peace and all that, and this was to be a celebration, but here's a guy they didn't think enough of to invite to the World Series, so why on earth subject him to the masses on this day?

And they wonder why we get the rep we have? It's the morons running the clubs who create these stupid scenarios!

Okay, okay, the fans could have just kept quiet...