The tributes continue to flow Ernie Harwell’s way as the Michigan State Senate recently passed a resolution declaring this Friday, April 9th, the date of the Tigers’ home opener, as “Ernie Harwell Day.”
State Senator Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, offered the resolution and it was approved unanimously:
Senate Resolution No. 136.
“A resolution recognizing April 9, 2010, as Ernie Harwell Day in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Ernie Harwell, born and raised in Georgia, spent 55 years broadcasting Major League Baseball, beginning his baseball career with the Atlanta Crackers in 1943 and moving to the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948; and
Whereas, Ernie Harwell found his way to Michigan in 1960, starting a 42-year run as the voice of the Detroit Tigers; and
Whereas, He perfectly embodied the working-class values of his adoptive home, missing only two broadcasts in his legendary career; and
Whereas, Ernie Harwell received more awards and honors than can possibly be listed, including induction into nine halls of fame, topped by winning the Ford C. Frick Award in 1981, and enshrinement in the broadcasters’ wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York; and
Whereas, Generations of Michigan residents and Tigers fans have grown up listening to Ernie Harwell and often reminisce about his unique broadcasting style that includes a sweet Southern drawl, the annual visit from the Voice of the Turtle, and familiar phrases such as “Right down Woodward,” “He stood there by a house on the side of the road,” and “That one is looooooong gone”; and
Whereas, April 9, 2010, will be the Detroit Tigers’ home opener of the 2010 baseball season; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body do hereby declare April 9, 2010, as Ernie Harwell Day in Michigan. We urge all Michigan residents and Detroit Tigers fans alike to celebrate the Detroit Tigers’ 2010 home opener as Ernie Harwell Day; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Ernie Harwell and the Detroit Tigers as a token of our highest esteem.”
It was reported in the Detroit Free Press that Harwell was “thrilled to hear about the resolution.”
Tiger fans all over the world continue to send Ernie best wishes as he struggles with inoperable cancer. Our thoughts and prayers will be with him as the Tigers start their 110th consecutive American League home opener.
Tom
Thank you Erine Harwell.
Vince Prygoski
Forever the Voice of Detroit Tiger Baseball! Thank you, Mr. Harwell, for all the memories and for being such a fine person and ambassador for the sport of baseball.