Son of late Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas to release debut 'High Hopes' album
By Matt Rappa
Kane Kalas will soon release his debut album, 'High Hopes,' in honor of his father — Phillies legend Harry Kalas.
It is hard to believe that next month will mark 14 years since the Philadelphia Phillies family lost their beloved broadcaster, Harry Kalas.
When the club begins its 2023 season in a couple of weeks, one of Kalas' sons, Kane, plans to honor his late father in a special way.
On Thursday, March 30, Opening Day, Kane will release a rendition of the "High Hopes" song that his father famously sang during the Phillies' postseason runs. Kane's overall debut album of the same name will release on Thursday, April 6 — fittingly the same day as the Phillies' home opener.
The Phillies still play a video of Harry singing the iconic song on Phanavision after every home win.
"Dad was quite the optimist. It didn’t matter how bad the Phillies were — and sometimes they were bad — he’d come to the ballpark each day expecting a win. He passed his eternal ‘high hopes’ onto me as well as the city of Philadelphia."
- Kane Kalas
Kane says that whenever he feels down, he remembers his father singing "High Hopes" and that it inspires and builds him back up.
"He taught me that a little determination goes a long way," Kane says.
The Phillies frequently invite Kane back to Citizens Bank Park to sing the national anthem. It would be great to have him sing "High Hopes" live at some point — perhaps even overlayed with his father signing in the background, similar to what the Philadelphia Flyers did with Lauren Hart and Kate Smith during "God Bless America."
Harry has been gone for nearly a decade and a half, and yet his absence is still felt on the television and radio airwaves during the baseball season. Without a doubt, soon-to-be-released Kane's debut album is a touching tribute.