Ernie Harwell

[Kalineman]

As a longtime collector and former sports editor, I got to know Detroit Tigers announcers Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey during my spring training stays. I wanted to update members of this board that Ernie is looking forward to Opening Day. I just talked to Paul the other day and he said Ernie called him on his birthday last week and wished him well. Ernie is 92 and has cancer. We were hoping he'd be here for the New Year and here he is still here on Opening Day. Ernie is conserving energy and looking forward to the season opener like the rest of us. Thought you fans would enjoy an update.

[Robextend]

Thanks so much Nick!! I wish Ernie well, he is a true legend.

[dennis]

a real living legend,a link with baseballs past. all the best to him!

[CardTarget]

It makes me sad that my first thought when I saw the title of this thread is "Oh No". I'm hoping to hear Ernie on the radio again soon. His voice defined a lot of nights in my childhood.

On the perfect clear night when I was growing up in Virginia I could tilt my antenna just right and pick up WJR out of Detroit... I still try sometimes (even though the Tigers moved off of WJR a few years ago).

[Beatles Guy]

I didn't know much about Ernie until I saw the interview last year with Bob Costas. Seems like a classy fellow who represents the Tigers well. Wishing him all the best...

[D. Broughman]

If you love baseball read Tuned To Baseball by Ernie Harwell great book.

[geor952]

Nick,
Thanks so much for the update. My heart too sank, when I saw the title of the thread. He has given us so many memories along with his wife Lulu. He shared his collection of Tigers memorabilia at a Detroit Public Library a couple of summers ago, what a treat!

[Kalineman]

Ernie is the one who introduced me to Ted Williams down in Winter Haven, when the Tigers were there to play the Red Sox in an exhibition game. Walking over to the minor league complex and hearing Williams barking out things at the players... well, by the time Ernie and I walked up, I was more nervous about that meeting then my own wedding. But, thanks to Ernie breaking the ice, the short meeting went well and I had another item crossed off my bucket list.

[tbob]

I caught the Costas interview and it was a truly great piece about an incredibly strong, kind and loving person. I was touched when Costas asked him a question about this year's World Series and he said he wouldn't be there to see it. Very sad. I hope he gets to watch it and continues his longevity as an incredible person.

[jmk59]

I think I'd consider giving up an Opening Day of my own if it would get him another one. Very cool that he will see this one. Harwell, along with Kaline and Kell, ARE Michigan baseball for the last half-century.

Joann

[Joe_G.]

Anyone who knows Ernie & Lulu love them. I won't repeat my previous stories but will simply again wish him a high quality of life for the rest of his days with us. God Bless Ernie!

A true baseball legend with such an enthusiasm for the game of old and new. Here is Ernie in 1959 sharing his amazing collection.