Ernie Harwell has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 92.
I remember in 2002 when the Jays played the Tigers in the season finale at the Dome that CBC decided to tap into Detroit's radio feed for Harwell's call for the the final inning of his final game in the booth. Anyone who heard Harwell that day or during his career certainly knew why he was the beloved voice of the Tigers.
Harwell has the distinction of being the only broadcaster traded for a player as the Brooklyn Dodgers sent catcher Cliff Dapper to the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association back in 1948. Harwell also called games for the New York Giants and the Baltimore Orioles in the 1950's before coming to Detroit for the 1960 season. Harwell was the man behind the mike for the Tigers up until 1991 when the team decided not to renew his contract. In the interim, he called some games for the California Angels before new owner Mike Illitch brought him back to Motown in 1993.
The 1981 winner of the Ford C. Frick award is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters and numerous grandchildren. It's also a sad day for those who grew up listening to Harwell throughout Michigan and Southern Ontario. Condolences to his family and friends.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=2010050421244358