Long gone, never forgotten: Tributes to Ernie Harwell
This undated handout from the National Baseball Hall of Fame shows Ernie Harwell, left, chatting with Ted Williams. Beloved by generations of baseball fans who grew up enraptured by his rich voice, Southern cadence and quirky phrases on the radio, Ernie Harwell died Tuesday, May 4, 2010, after a months-long battle with cancer. He was 92.
AP photo
Long gone. Never forgotten.
That's how Associated Press reporter and Ann Arbor native Larry Lage led his story about legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who died Tuesday at the age of 92 after a months-long battle with cancer.
Tributes are pouring in for Harwell, whose body will lie in repose at Comerica Park on Thursday. Not only did Harwell die Tuesday, says ESPN's Elizabeth Merrill, but so did the childhoods of four generations.
Here's the latest tribute, this one from Joe Posnanski of SI.com, who writes that for 50 years, Harwell was what listeners wanted - a friend.Â
There's links to more stories about his extraordinary life, but we also invite our readers to share their favorite memories of Harwell in the comments section below.
- NPR.com: John Bacon recalls family trips up north, with Harwell's voice filling the station wagon. Listen to his memories of Harwell here. Bacon says we've lost our baseball buddy, our grandfather, our friend.
- Detroit Free Press: A collection of Ernie Harwell photos that span the half-century career of the legendary broadcaster.
- Rochelle Riley, Free Press: Ernie Harwell was a humble, spiritual man.
- Detroit Tigers: Sign the team's official guestbook and leave memories of Ernie.
- USA Today: Harwell was the consummate gentleman.
- Oakland Press: Columnist Jim Hawkins says Harwell was always gracious, always a pro
ERNIE HARWELL HIGHLIGHTS
Comments
aareader
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 12:51 p.m.
Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey were the voice of Tiger Baseball when I was growing up. They made the game exciting. It is sad to read Ernie has passed. I am thankful for all of the great experiences he shared with us. Ernie, you will be remembered forever.
Top Cat
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 10:08 a.m.
I cherish a picture I have of Ernie with my son at the age of 7 sitting in his lap. Our lives are all somewhat better because he was part it.
stevek
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 9:53 a.m.
Ernie was a part of growing up. On a warm summer night he was like mental comfort food.
Cash
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 9:25 a.m.
Thank you God for giving us Ernie Harwell. If we ever needed a reason to pull together as Michiganders, Ernie is a reason. He loved us all regardless of our political affiliation, our color, our ethnicity or our zip code. Ernie loved Michiganders. And all of us carry that in our hearts. He loved us. And we loved him back. Naming things in his honor would be great, but LIVING with respect toward each other would be much greater...in honor of Ernie.
SemperFi
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 9:16 a.m.
What a fine gentleman. He enriched the lives of many through his humble approach to the game he loved so much. Ernie, you're "Long gone" to the loving embrace of your lord.