Ernie Harwell Goes Home At 92

Ernie Harwell, the longtime great announcer for the Detroit Tigers has died at age 92. In his 55 year career, 42 in Detroit, he is said to have missed only 2 days on the job. He retired in 2002.

“Whatever happens, I’m ready to face it,” Harwell said in an AP interview on Sept. 4, 2009, after revealing he had an inoperable tumor. “I have a great faith in God and Jesus.”  Harwell is known for beginning the broadcast of each season with a verse from the bible and one can only hope someone else will carry on this faithful tradition.

“It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure. I’m not leaving, folks. I’ll still be with you…And rather than goodbye, please allow me to say thank you. Thank you for letting me be part of your family. Thank you for taking me with you to that cottage up north, to the beach, the picnic, your work place and your backyard. Thank you for sneaking your transistor under the pillow as you grew up loving the Tigers. Now, I might have been a small part of your life. But you’ve been a very large part of mine. And it’s my privilege and honor to share with you the greatest game of all,” Ernie said.

Hope to see you soon, Ernie.