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4w ago

Phillies Replace 'Harry The K's' With Ghost Energy Deck, Drawing Rebuke From Kalas' Widow

Team leaders frame the sponsorship as revenue for renovations.

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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Harry Kalas in a red jacket, yellow shirt, and yellow tie with blue polka dots, arms outstretched on a baseball field, Image 2 shows A look at the Statue of the late broadcaster Harry Kalas of the Philadelphia Phillies prior to a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on August 17, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Overview

  • The left-field space at Citizens Bank Park, renamed the Ghost Energy Deck for Thursday’s opener, replaced the longtime 'Harry The K's' sign.
  • Eileen Kalas said the club betrayed broadcaster Harry Kalas and she will block use of his 'High Hopes' clip next season unless the team pays for his likeness.
  • She said the Phillies pay $20,000 for 2026 but told her they do not plan to renew the fee in 2027, which she argues would bar the team from using his image or song.
  • Managing partner John Middleton said Ghost’s payment could fund a player and dismissed the saved licensing fee as 'maybe buy some napkins.'
  • Opening Day crowds packed the new deck as online criticism mounted, while the team noted other tributes to Kalas and pressed ahead as part of a $600 million ballpark upgrade program.