R.I.P. - Ernie Harwell

We all knew this day was coming, but hoped that it would be delayed as long as possible. The manner in which Ernie led his life in the last year was indicative of his previous 91 years; with dignity, courage, and the high character befitting a mans of his stature.

Everyone has Ernie stories and how he has been a part of our lives. How many times did you turn on the radio, flipping through the channels and were suddenly enlightened by his stoic voice.

My Ernie Story is this: he was not a local personality, he was national. When my friends and I made our pilgrimage to mecca, for you non-baseball fans, that would Cooperstown, NY, for several Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies, we would wait with the masses in a huge field for several hours prior to the begining of the ceremony. The loudspeakers would play every baseball related song, and then, every year, prior to the beginning of the actual ceremony, they would play Ernie's famous speech about Baseball, and how it mirrors life, and its indirect importance to the last 100 years of American culture. There was silence, while everyone listened with an attentive ear. Everyone knew Ernie Harwell, he transcended his local popularity and was a national figure. I remember all the hate mail that the FOX tv channel received after the lady in the pumpkin dress cut Ernie off during a interview prior to the All Star Game held in Detroit a couple of years ago. The letters/emails were from all over the country, criticizing FOX for cutting off a legend.

It is a sad day, but as I write this I am listening to Drew and Mike playing many historic calls by Ernie, which will always bring a warm feeling of those memorable events in my life.

I am sure you will hear that famous speech in the next few days, I ask that you take a couple minutes to listen and enjoy the best of Ernie. (see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPcUcsT6Lek)

Soft and Safe to you be your earthly bed, Rest in Peace Ernie.