Ernie's Good-bye to Fans

Photo by Mandi Wright, Detroit Free Press

There are hermit souls that live withdrawn

In the place of their self-content;

There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,

In a fellowless firmament;

There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths

Where highways never ran-

But let me live by the side of the road

And be a friend to man.

From, The House by the Side of the Road, by Sam Walter Foss

One sunny, late summer morning, I had been preparing to take my seventy-nine year old mother to the hospital for an out-patient procedure. While I was finishing a cup of lukewarm coffee, I turned on the television to catch the latest traffic conditions.

As the commercial came to an end, a newscaster from Fox 2 glared into the camera, met my eye, and delivered the heart-wrenching news - Ernie Harwell has incurable cancer. Then, the report took on a more ominous tone - the beloved Detroit Tiger's broadcaster would not seek treatment.

It took a moment, but I realized that this was the end of the road - the end of the season - for Ernie Harwell.

Ernie Harwell was not just a part of baseball - he had been a vital part of my life. Throughout the years, the hall of fame broadcaster had welcomed me back to Michigan when my family had been away on vacation. He had accompanied me when I took a girl out on a date (thankfully, I chose my dates well, and they never seemed to mind). I enjoyed lunch with him on opening day, when I turned on the radio to hear the play by play of that first game of the season. Also, there were the nights (as a young boy), I would curl up on a chair in the corner of the living room, and his was the last voice I would hear before falling asleep.

I still find it hard to believe.

I am amazed by the strength that Ernie Harwell has shown. He is a man of tremendous faith, and will be to the end. Some, who have been handed a death sentence, would have retreated into a world of self-pity, others may have preferred privacy. I am certain that not many would have spent their last days publicly saying good-bye to family, friends, and fans.

Ernie knows how much we cherish him. May I offer, that through his public farewells, he has shown that he feels the same toward us.

Truly, it takes a special individual who can stand in front of a crowd of thousands, acknowledge his time here is nigh, and say,

It's a wonderful night for me. I really feel lucky to be here, and I want to thank you for the warm welcome.

In my almost 92 years on this Earth, the good Lord has blessed me with a great journey," he said. "And the blessed part of that journey is, it's going to end in the great state of Michigan.

I wasn't able to be at Comerica Park when Ernie Harwell addressed the crowd. For those who were, it was undoubtedly unforgettable and poignant.

I found this on You Tube, taken from a fan's perspective.  Be sure to have Kleenex with you while you watch.

I am a collector of baseball broadcasts, and one Detroit Tiger's game in particular had special meaning for me.  Watch for that post next week.