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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Baseball Kalas died of heart disease

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Autopsy results show that longtime Philadelphia Phillies' TV and radio broadcaster Harry Kalas died from heart disease.

A spokeswoman at the Washington, D.C., chief medical examiner's office said Kalas, who died Monday, had high blood pressure and suffered from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The disease, in which plaque buildup restricts blood flow in arteries, is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Known for his signature "Outta here!" home run calls, Kalas died after collapsing in the broadcast booth before the Phillies' 9-8 victory over the Washington Nationals. He was 73.

Kalas began his broadcasting career in Hawai'i as sports director of KGU radio. He also did high school and University of Hawai'i sports and was the voice of the Hawai'i Islanders of the Pacific Coast League.

He is survived by his wife and three sons, including one — Todd — who is a broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays. Funeral arrangements are pending.