Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell, the play-by-play voice of the Detroit Tigers from the 60's through the early part of the millenium, passed away earlier tonight after a lengthy illness at 92.
The only time I actually heard Harwell call a game was just a few years ago, when he was a guest announcer on ESPN. I am, however, well aware of the tumult after the 1991 season when the Tigers decided that Harwell would leave the booth after 32 seasons. Harwell went west and worked for the Angels for the 1992 season, then was brought back in 1993, and he retired for good in 2002, returning only for the ESPN 1-shot in 2006.
Rest in peace, Ernie. It's probably game time in Heaven.
"This is Ernie Harwell and George Kell, and today the tigers face . . . ." Lord, I can still close my eyes and here that voice. As a kid, I just figured he announced all baseball games, all over the world.
ReplyDeleteI think we all felt the same about the announcers doing our regional teams.
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