The Man returns

How great is it to have Chase Utley back on the field? How scared are you that it won't last? Yes.

Last week, C and I went to the Harry Kalas tribute night at the IronPigs (got a kickass talking bobblehead, I did). I bring this up because one of the phrases Kalas was famous for coining in his later years was from his spontaneous outburst about five years ago when Chase Utley scored from second on a Baltimore chop to the pitcher: "Chase Utley, you are the man!" It was a great hustle play, an incredibly smart baserunning move, and Kalas said it out of pure joy and excitement; there was no question of its having been thought out in advance or stated with any idea of it lasting beyond that moment. And it is a perfect illustration of why Harry was the last of an older school of announcers who were there to serve the game, not their careers. He spoke when he had something to say, not just to fill the air or to be verbose, and he said only what he meant. You knew he loved and rooted for his team, but in the way that was respectful of the ballplayers on the other team (I submit for evidence of the opposite the announcer for the Chi-Sox who has his stupid home and end-of-game calls--I won't try to describe them, just listen for yourself sometime).

Anyway, I just wanted to share another Harry memory, in the midst of the happiness of having one of the most beloved Phillies of all time back in the lineup. And as I write these words, the man is up...