Hall of Fame Baseball Announcer Ernie Harwell Dies
Harwell, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981, broadcast baseball for 55 years. The Atlanta, Georgia native got his first major league job in 1948 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, filling in for ailing legend Red Barber. Harwell would also broadcast for the New York Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and the California Angels, but will forever be known for his work the Tigers.
He did Tigers games from 1960 to 1991. In 1990 Tigers president Bo Schembechler decided he wasn't going to renew Harwell's contract. This was a mistake by Schembechler as Tigers fans clamored to have Harwell rehired. Harwell would do Angels games in 1992 and be rehired by new Tigers owner Mike Ilitch. Harwell stayed on with the Tigers until 2002 when he made the decision to retire at the age of 84. Through that span he missed just two days of work. A statue of Harwell now greets fans as they enter the Tigers Comerica Park.
When listening to Harwell it was like listening to a friend. He had a easy goin style and a southern accent. He didn't shout at you or want to become part of the action, unlike many of today's announcers, he just painted a picture with his words.
The game of baseball lost a great announcer today as well as a true gentleman. Ernie Harwell you will be missed.
Published by Darren Pare - Featured Contributor in Sports
I am an author from Orono, Maine currently working on writing my second book and promoting my first one, 33 Summers. I am married and have two children. I am a freelance writer who has a passion for sports... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentGood article here, Darren. We grew up in Detroit and both my husband & I are Michiganders all our lives (although we've lived in our states & countries.) Just was so hard to believe, event though he was in his 90's. I've been reading the press coverage, as we live Up North in the UP. Anyhow, just wanted to compliment you on the article... Kim
Harwell was the voice that introduced baseball to many in the midwest. He will be greatly missed.
See where I ranked Mr. Harwell on the list of best baseball announcers: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2818926/the_five_best_baseball_announcers_of.html?cat=14
Thank you for your submission. Your article has been featured on AC's news category.
Baseball is not only made up of great players, it also consists of the many wonderfully talented personalities who bring it to us...when one of these legends passes the games loses an important piece of itself.