William Earnest "Ernie" Harwell (January 25, 1918 — May 4, 2010)
Reaction to Ernie Harwell's passing has been overwhelming. We've put together some of Ernie's famous calls, video tributes to the legendary broadcaster and other stories from those who knew him.
Famous calls
"That one is long gone!" (His trademark home run call, with an emphasis on "long")
"He stood there like the house by the side of the road, and watched it go by." (After a called strikeout)
"It's two for the price of one!" (After a double play)
"A fan from (insert a city) will be taking that ball home today." (When a fan would catch a foul ball)
The news
Dan Dickerson and Jim Price break the news of Ernie Harwell's death on the air Tuesday, May 4.
Video
The Detroit News has an interactive video tribute from various Tigers players and baseball media.
The Detroit Free Press has compiled memories, photos and audio of the legendary broadcaster in this archive.
A celebration, not mourning: Tigers manager Jim Leyland on Harwell's passing.
More memories: Jim Price, Brandon Inge reflect on their favorite Harwell memories.
Scully: Fellow broadcaster Vin Scully remember Harwell.
Jackie Robinson: Harwell talks about Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball.
Final speech: Harwell thanks the fans on Sept. 16, 2009.
Tribute: Remembering the life and career of Ernie Harwell
Joe West's video tribute: Veteran umpire crew chief Joe West offers his tribute and song to Ernie Harwell in this video.
Stories
New York Times' Richard Sandomir
Ernie Harwell, the neighborly Georgian who delivered Margaret Mitchell’s newspaper in the 1930s and then delivered the play-by-play of more than 8,500 major league baseball games over 55 years, died Tuesday at his home in Novi, Mich. He was 92. Read the story.
Detroit Free Press' Mitch Albom
The Voice of Summer died in the spring, shortly before the Tigers' first pitch of the evening. That was fitting. Ernie Harwell would never want to interrupt the game. Read the story.
ESPN's Rob Neyer
In 1999, three old ballparks -- Milwaukee's County Stadium, Houston's Astrodome, and Detroit's Tiger Stadium -- were on their way out (though County Stadium would live for another year, due to a construction accident at Miller Park). Fortunately, someone at ESPN.com got the bright idea of sending me and colleague David Schoenfield to all three of the old yards before they were gone. Read the story.
Nick Pontikis' Ode to Ernie Harwell
The Detroit Tigers have opened their exhibition baseball season in Lakeland, Florida. In years past, the first radio broadcast would begin with Ernie Harwell, our beloved Hall of Fame announcer, exorcising the winter demons by quoting from The Song of Solomon. Read the story.
Mlive.com's Steve Kornacki
While writing my Christmas card to Ernie and Lulu Harwell, I was overcome with emotion. My wife comforted me, reminding that Ernie was going home to heaven and looking forward to that “next adventure,“ as he called it. Read the story.
Former Tigers' beat writer Danny Knobler
A couple of weeks had gone by since Ernie Harwell told the world he had inoperable cancer, and Rick Reed called Harwell to say hello and offer a few words of support. And all Harwell wanted to do was ask how Reed was doing in his return to umpiring, after suffering a stroke. "I called to ask about him," Reed said a few days later. "And he kept asking about me." And that was Ernie Harwell. Read the story.
CBS Sports' Scott Miller
The world is a little less gracious, a little less gentlemanly tonight. Legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell is gone, probably talking with baseball fans in heaven above in that beautiful, courtly manner of his, and the voice of our game is momentarily silenced and forever changed. Read the story.
Quotes
Gov. Jennifer Granholm
"For millions of Tiger fans, Ernie Harwell was the voice of summer. Ernie's voice and announcing style were legendary, and he captivated listeners with his wealth of stories about the game and its players.
"As great as Ernie was as a baseball announcer, he was an even greater human being. Everybody loved Ernie. He had time and a kind word for everyone. Ernie was a man of immense faith, and his spirit, courage and grace during the last months of his life were inspirational. I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Lulu and the Harwell family on their loss."
Lt. Gov. John Cherry
"Baseball has lost another broadcasting legend. When Ernie was calling games for the Tigers, he could be heard throughout Michigan in people's homes, at backyard picnics and barbeques, and on car radios. Children fell asleep at night listening to Ernie's voice during the Tigers' West Coast road trips.
"Ernie was an original and a broadcasting icon, yet he remained humble and kind, a perfect gentleman. He had as much time for a fan as he did for a baseball superstar. It's said that no one is irreplaceable, but no one will ever replace Ernie Harwell."
Mike Ilitch, owner of the Detroit Tigers
"Ernie Harwell was the most popular sports figure in the state of Michigan. He was so genuine in everything that he did -- from his legendary broadcasting to the way he treated the fans and everyone around him. He was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word. Ernie has a special place in the hearts of all Detroit Tigers fans and the memories he created for so many of us will never be forgotten. Baseball lost a legendary voice this evening and we have all lost a dear friend. (Wife) Marian and I, and our entire organization, extend our deepest sympathies to Ernie's wife, Lulu, and to the Harwell family."
Bud Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball
"All of Major League Baseball is in mourning tonight upon learning of the loss of a giant of our game, Ernie Harwell. This son of Georgia was the voice of the Detroit Tigers and one of the game's iconic announcers to fans across America, always representing the best of our national pastime to his generations of listeners.
"Without question, Ernie was one of the finest and most distinguished gentlemen I have ever met. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathy to Ernie's beloved wife Lulu, his four children, his friends and his countless admirers throughout our game."
