Medford Lakes, N.J. — Long‑time local sports announcer Lewis Kalb finally realized a dream that began in his childhood listening to baseball on a tiny radio in Omaha. At 73, Kalb paid $22,000 in the Phillies’ Phantastic Auction for a single inning in the Philadelphia Phillies’ radio broadcast booth, joining veteran voices Larry Andersen and Scott Franzke.
Kalb’s love of the game started early. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where his family tuned in to baseball games on a “transition radio,” a phrase he still uses to describe the crackle of old‑time broadcasts. When his father’s job transferred the family to New Jersey in 1965, Kalb brought his passion to the Garden State, working at Penn State and Atlantic City radio stations before focusing on sports journalism.
In 1996, Kalb auditioned for the Philadelphia 76ers’ announcer position. Though he did not land the job, the experience led him to Vaughan Hall in Medford Lakes, where he began announcing youth sports. For three decades he has been a familiar voice at local basketball and baseball games, and he also serves as a substitute teacher at the Neeta School.
When the Phillies announced the Phantastic Auction—a fundraiser benefiting ALS United Mid‑Atlantic and Phillies Charities—Kalb saw an opportunity to fulfill his lifelong ambition. He placed a bid of $22,000, the winning amount, and was granted a coveted spot in the radio booth for one inning of a regular‑season game.
“Exhilarating,” Kalb said after the broadcast. “It feels like a dream has come true.” The moment was captured on a viral audio clip that quickly amassed millions of views across social media platforms, drawing praise from Phillies fans, local residents, and national news outlets alike.
To celebrate the achievement, the Medford Lakes basketball community organized an off‑season scrimmage for both boys’ and girls’ teams, dubbing the event “Court of Dreams.” The name echoed the famous “Field of Dreams” theme associated with the Phillies’ special game night, reinforcing the sense of community pride.
Kalb’s story highlights the power of local dedication and the support of a tight‑knit community. His decades of service to youth sports, combined with his willingness to invest in a charitable auction, underscore the values of perseverance, family, and faith that many in Medford Lakes hold dear.
While the auction proceeds will aid ALS research and the Phillies’ charitable initiatives, the personal impact on Kalb and the town is equally significant. Residents say his voice has become part of the fabric of local recreation, and his moment in the big‑league booth serves as an inspiration for anyone who dreams of turning a lifelong passion into reality.
Kalb continues to announce games at Vaughan Hall and plans to keep teaching at the Neeta School, proving that a love for sport and community service can coexist with personal milestones. His story reminds neighbors that even in a world of national headlines, local heroes still make headlines of their own.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
