Detroit Tigers' legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell passed away yesterday at the age of 92. The voice of the Tigers from 1960 to 2002, for millions in Michigan, Harwell's friendly baritone crackling over the radio signaled the end of a dreary gray winter and the coming of the long, warm days and nights of summer. Summer means baseball, and for many baseball meant Harwell. The Hall of Famer was known as one of the friendliest people in the game, quick with a laugh and a wrinkled smile that reminded you this was a game, America's pastime, and meant to be enjoyed.
I heard on SportsCenter this morning a story about Harwell. When asked what memento he would be taking from the old Tiger Stadium before it was demolished, he answered, 'the urinal in the visitor's clubhouse'. And sure enough, he cleaned it up, and made it into a planter for his wife Lulu. His reasoning was that the best players in the history of the American League had all used it, and that made it something worth cherishing.
He missed only 2 games in the entirety of his 55 year broadcasting career. He was a great ambassador for the sport and a beloved figure around the country, and his quirky, cheerful, and always memorable commentary on baseball and life will be missed.
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