As tributes to Harry Kalas come in from arond the Internet we were struck by this one, authored by New York Times writer and Phillies fan Tyler Kepner. Included in the post is the poem Harry Kalas read at his Baseball Hall of Fame Induction.

This is to the Philadelphia Fan
To laud your passion as best I can
Your loyalty is unsurpassed
Be the Fightins in first or last
We come to the park each day
Looking forward to another fray
Because we know you’ll be there
We know you really care
You give the opposing pitcher fits
Because as one loyalist shouts, ‘Everybody hits’
To be sure in Philly, there might be some boos
Because you passionate fans, like the manager, hate to lose
Your reaction to the action on the field that you impart
Spurs us as broadcasters to call the game with enthusiasm and heart
We feel your passion through and through
Philadelphia fans, I love you.

The love was mutual.

A Tribute to Harry Kalas [New York Times]