Ten years later, Phillies continue to pay almost daily tributes to Harry Kalas

MIAMI -- Ten years later, Harry Kalas is still everywhere at Citizens Bank Park.

And for that, his oldest son is grateful.

Saturday marked the 10-year anniversary of Kalas’ death at age 73 of heart disease. The legendary Phillies play-by-play announcer collapsed in the broadcast booth before an April 13, 2009 game in Washington, leading team chairman David Montgomery to solemnly declare that the organization had “lost our voice.”

The Phillies still honor Kalas in several ways at every home game. His signature “Outta Here!” call blares over the sound system after each Phillies home run. A bronze statue of Kalas stands on the outfield concourse, not far from “Harry the K’s” restaurant.

And after every Phillies victory, a video of Kalas singing his favorite song -- Frank Sinatra’s “High Hopes” -- is shown on Phanavision in left field.

“That, to me, is amazing,” Todd Kalas said by phone this week. “Half of today’s players probably don’t even know what the significance of that song is because it’s been so long. I love the fact that they still keep his memory alive.”

Todd Kalas was 5 years old when his father was hired by the Phillies. These days, he’s the lead play-by-play announcer on Astros’ telecasts.

“For them to carry the legacy on, it speaks volumes for how the Phillies are rooted in relationships, and Dad had this incredible relationship with the Phillies and their fans,” he said. “I know someday it'll probably have to go away, but every time somebody sends me a picture of the statue or sends me a video of ‘High Hopes,’ it warms my heart.”

Scott Kingery came off the bench Saturday night and rapped two doubles, giving the seldom-used infielder five hits in his last seven plate appearances.

It even earned him a rare start Sunday.

Manager Gabe Kapler said he wasn’t certain which position Kingery will play in the series finale against the Marlins. Kingery’s only other start this season came at second base, where Cesar Hernandez is batting .178 with a .240 on-base percentage.

But Hernandez is 7-for-26 with two homers and a .577 slugging percentage against Marlins starter Jose Urena. It’s conceivable that Kingery could start at third base in place of Maikel Franco, who is 5-for-19 with a .421 slugging percentage against Urena.

Regardless, the Phillies have been encouraged by Kingery’s swings, especially considering his lack of playing time. He’s 5-for-10 with one walk and only two strikeouts.

“I’m working as hard as I can before the game just to kind of lock it in and stay locked in the whole game,” Kingery said. “It’s pretty difficult. But I try to stay moving and keep the blood flowing, so when you do get the chance to get in there, your body is ready to go.”

Harper has reached base in all 13 games this season. He extended his streak with a first-inning walk against Marlins lefty Caleb Smith. … Crazy game Saturday for triple-A Lehigh Valley. The IronPigs hit nine homers in a 20-18 victory at Rochester. Dylan Cozens and Austin Romine hit back-to-back homers in back-to-back innings. … Vince Velasquez (0-0, 3.00 ERA) will start the series finale Sunday against Marlins right-hander Jose Urena (0-3, 9.22).