Book 32 of 52: Until it Hurts: America’s Obsession with Youth Sports and How it Harms Our Kids

I had meant to write a long blog post about Until It Hurts: America’s Obsession with Youth Sports and How It Harms Our Kids by Mark Hyman. For now, though, I will keep it short. It’s a dry book, but it’s a an important read for parents with kids who play sports. It’s a statistical look at how pushing a kid too far too soon can hurt him or her in the long run.

I’m keeping it short because my mind is elsewhere. Long-time Phillies announcer and voice of NFL films Harry Kalas died today. Even though he was 73, it’s still a shock. He died in a broadcast booth getting ready for today’s Phillies vs. Nationals game.

More than any other announcer, Kalas was the Phillies for me. I still remember hearing his call for Mike Schmidt’s 50th home run. I played the last out of the 2008 World Series endlessly on youtube.com the day after the Phillies became World Champs. Here’s the last strike:

I met Kalas once, briefly. Very nice gentleman who came up and talked to me even though I was shy to introduce myself. My father called me today to tell me the news and could barely get out the words because he was so choked up. Kalas will be sorely missed.

I’ll post the newspaper review of Until It Hurtswhen it runs. For now, though, RIP Harry the K.