Philadelphia, PA (Betting Express) - The Philadelphia Phillies honored Hall- of-Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas with a heartfelt ceremony before Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres.

Kalas died prior to Monday's Phillies-Nationals game in Washington at the age of 73. He was found unconscious in the press box at Nationals Park and was pronounced dead at approximately 1:20 p.m. (et) at George Washington University hospital.

In the first homestand after the passing of their long-time voice, the franchise put together a first-class ceremony for any and all to attend.

"Millions of people from March to October, for 40 years, depended on Harry every day for entertainment," said Phillies Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt. "Working people, construction workers, cab drivers, office workers, even children...everyone's lives were made better by Harry Kalas."

The casket of the Philadelphia icon was placed behind home plate hours before Saturday's first pitch at Citizens Bank Park, allowing thousands of fans the opportunity to say one last goodbye to the man many grew up listening to on the radio and through their television set.

"Harry started broadcasting Phillies games in 1971 when I was a nine-year-old fan," said current Phils pitcher Jamie Moyer during Saturday's ceremony. "That is when I met the voice. In 1986 I made my major league debut against the Phillies and the first thing I thought of was that Harry Kalas would be saying my name on the radio. What a thrill for a kid from Pennsylvania."

The fans joined family members, friends and former and current Phillies players in a 90-minute on-field tribute.

"It's not the voice that will ring in our ears or the 40 years of dedication through his work," said Schmidt. "His passion for the game is that everyday, Harry was inspired to make people happy. He made us feel good. The Philadelphia Phillies are truly a family and have lost a beloved member whose life should be celebrated."