When it ended 20 years ago, 66 million Phillies fans had attended games at Veterans Stadium. Over the same 33 years, millions more followed the Phillies on radio and television.
There was one constant on-the-air voice throughout the Vet’s history: Harry Kalas. He was brought to Philadelphia from Houston by Bill Giles in 1971, replacing the legendary Bill Campbell. It was not a very popular move among fans.
Harry broadcast the first game on April 10, 1971, and he was on the field at the end as the master of ceremony for the “Final Innings Closing Ceremonies” on Sept. 28, 2003. Joining Harry that first season was By Saam and Richie Ashburn. Radio broadcasts were on WCAU and on television on Channel 17.
Joining Kalas on the air in Veterans Stadium history in addition to Saam and Ashburn, were Larry Andersen, Jim Barniak, Campbell, Jim Fregosi, Scott Graham, Greg Gross, Jay Johnstone, Todd Kalas, John Kruk, Garry Maddox, Tom McCarthy, Tim McCarver, Tug McGraw, Andy Musser, Robin Roberts, Larry Rosen, Mike Schmidt, Kent Tekulve, Chris Wheeler and Glenn Wilson.
Radio stations over the years included WIBG, KYW, WGMP, WOGL, WPHT and WPEN. Television included Channel 29, PRISM, SportsChannel, Comcast SportsNet and UPN 57.
Public Address Voice
Art Wolfe was the PA announcer when the Vet opened in 1971. Dan Baker was hired in 1972 and is still going.
Baker’s 50 years with the Phillies is third longest in baseball history, trailing only Bob Sheppard, a 57-year voice at Yankee Stadium (1951-2007) and Pat Pieper’s 59 years with the Cubs (1916-1974).