“DETROIT — From the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to the rugged streets in Flint, they listened to Ernie Harwell tell the Detroit Tigers‘ tales for more than 40 years.” So begins ESPN’s announcement; Tuesday, May 4, 2010 long time Detroit Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell past away. Harwell was 92 years old when he lost his battle to cancer. Ernie called Tigers games for 42 years, and Governor Jennifer Granholm said in a tweet today that he was “the voice of summer in Michigan.” Here is Harwell’s statement from a special event held for him after his retirement, at Comerica Park.

“In my almost 92 years on this earth, the good lord has blessed me with a great journey,” Harwell said at a microphone behind home plate. “The blessed part of that journey is that it’s going to end here in the great state of Michigan.”

There will be a special viewing at Comerica Park starting Thursday at 7am, until the last person who wants to pay their respects does. Harwell will be missed by the great state of Michigan, and the sports community as well.

Full ESPN article

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