ST. PETERSBURG -- Todd Kalas is leaving the Rays' broadcast team to become the Astros' new play-by-play announcer on ROOT Sports Southwest.
"I'm definitely going to miss the Tampa Bay area," Kalas said. "I never imagined myself leaving, but this was a unique opportunity, and it gives me the chance to do play-by-play."
Kalas, 50, has been a part of the Rays' telecast team on Fox Sports Florida and Sun Sports since the team's first season, in 1998, so he moves to Houston with many memories.
"There was Wade Boggs' 3,000th hit, and probably the most memorable thing was the turnaround I got to witness when the team went from the Devil Rays to the Rays," Kalas said. "That was just amazing. And the World Series and all the playoffs that followed.
"I can't imagine there being a better gang of baseball players than the ones I've had the pleasure of covering in my time with the team. I've never had a problem with any of them. I've been blessed."
Kalas is the son of late Hall of Fame announcer Harry Kalas, and he was born in Houston when his father began his Major League broadcasting career with the Astros.
"Dad will always be known as being the voice of the Phillies," Kalas said. "But he started with the Astros, so that makes this opportunity even more special."
Kalas will succeed Bill Brown, who retired after the 2016 season, and he is set to join Geoff Blum in the TV booth.
"I'll always have a huge place in my heart for the Tampa Bay area," Kalas said.