Father's Day Story

For the last two weeks, I've been writing in this blog about different sporting events. Mainly about the NBA Finals, the College World Series, and even a little tennis. However, I want to shift the focus of my blog to a new perspective from this point forward. Don't get me wrong, this will still be a sports blog, but I want to bring more passion and personality to it. I want to tell you great sports stories. So from now on, I'll try and bring you a more personal touch and still give you great information in the process. So on this Father's Day, it's only right to bring you a story about a father, a son, and sports.

On April 2 of this year, Todd Kalas jumped in his vehicle and drove to Clearwater, Florida. His impulse wasn't something that was typical for him. See, Todd Kalas has a broadcasting job with the Tampa Bay Rays, and generally it keeps him rather busy. However, on this faithful day, he felt the urge to go visit his father, Harry Kalas, at the Phillies spring training facility. Little did he know that it would be the last time he would see his father alive. As most of us MLB fans know, the legendary broadcaster passed away on April 13 just shortly before he was suppose to announce a Phillies baseball game. It's difficult for Todd to understand why he drove there on that day. Todd recalls,"I don't know why, but I felt it was necessary to be at that game and spend a few minutes together afterward." Since Harry Kalas' death, baseball fans from across the nation have shared memories of the broadcaster as a warm and generous baseball fanatic. Todd Kalas recalled the same qualities in his father. "He was incredibly compassionate to everyone he met," Todd Kalas said. "He didn't just give people a quick handshake or brush-off. He was consistently generous with his time. I try to live up to that, and I can't always do it." As most of you know, last season the TB Rays played the Phillies in the World Series. Todd can barely believe it happened. "I think there was something else at work for that to happen in what turned out to be his last season," Todd Kalas said. "The odds were one in a million of the Rays and Phillies playing each other in the World Series, and for that to be our final season together. . . . We really cherished every moment we had together during that time." So on this Father's Day, let us remember that time is fleeting. It is just a small drop of sand in the hourglass of humanity. Don't let it pass you by without cherishing every opportunity to love those that love you, and to bring compassion and joy to others.