ERNIE HARWELL – A SERMON!

No, I never met Ernie Harwell, but like so many Tiger baseball fans, I felt that I knew him. And this is from a guy that’s old enough to remember a fellow named Harry Heilmann as the voice of the Tigers. For you younger folks, Harry was a Hall of Fame Tiger outfielder who played during the Ty Cobb era and spent many years broadcasting Tiger games. He is especially remembered for his broadcasts during WW2 which really shows my age, doesn’t it?

Even though I never met Mr. Harwell, the expression of accolades upon his death are just outstanding. One moving comment by a person who apparently knew him well stated something to the affect that after one conversation with Ernie, you were certain you were his “best friend”.

He was obviously a great announcer, an author who wrote country western songs, a great family man and an openly religious person.

It is probably true to state that an examination of Ernie Harwell’s life is one of the greatest sermons we will ever see!

Bert