Storytellers
This past Tuesday as I was studying for a final, I heard the news that Ernie Harwell passed away. If you watch baseball even remotely, you know who Ernie Harwell is. For those of you that do not, he was the long…long time voice of the Detroit Tigers. For you that do not know, I have a tie with the Tigers in the form of a cousin that played back in the 50′s, Frank “Pig” House. Frank was the first bonus baby in baseball if memory serves correct. Anyway, I digress from my post. Mr. Harwell was the voice from 1960-1991 when new ownership thought Mr. Harwell was past his time. However, 1993 came around and so did Mr. Harwell, back at the mic calling Tiger games. But being in the south, I did not get to hear Mr. Harwell that much. However, when I did, it was always a treat. He had his sayings like all broadcasters do, but his were unique. Saying such as:
“He stood there like the house by the side of the road, and watched it go by.”
after a strikeout. Also I always loved this one:
“A fan from (insert a city in Michigan) will be taking that ball home today.”
after a fan would catch a foul ball. But guys like Ernie are becoming a thing of the past. Last year Baseball lost Harry Kalas, in 2008 it was Skip Caray, and in 2002 it was Jack Buck. That’s why I listen to Vin Scully every time I get a chance, because there’s not a lot of these guys left. I’m so envious of these guys, because they are what I’m not…Storytellers.
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What’s your favorite Harwell memory?
I’d have to say that wonderful poem he wrote about baseball. I’ve heard it many times but when I saw it again the other night, Mr. Harwell age 91, sitting down with Bob Costas and citing the poem word for word, that was something special.