Ernie Harwell a great broadcaster, family man and friend diagnosed with inoperable cancer

Ernie Harwell, Baseball Hall of Famer and historian.

If anyone deserves a heartfelt farewell as not only a great Detroiter but also as an admirable human being it's Ernie Harwell.

I've had the pleasure of working with Ernie on a few occasions and we've attended some fo the same events. If you meet Ernie one time, he will treat you like an old frIend every time you see him after that.

I first encountered Ernie when I was a booking agent for Dan Yessian Entertainment. I called him to inquire about a speaking engagement opportunity. We discussed not only the money and business issues, but also had lenngthy conversations about the Tigers and baseball history. Ernie is without a doubt one of the foremost experts on baseball trivia and could always spin a great story. Hell, he lived many of them.

Whenever I would call him about a speaking engagement he would always voice a great interest but woudn't commit to anything before consulting his lovely wife Lulu and his daughter. Before all of the incredible things Ernie was, he was a family man first.

After having only spoken with Ernie on the phone regarding speaking engagements, I ran into him at a radio advertising event. I introduced myself and referenced the speaking engagements that I booked him for. He reacted as though we were old friends, introducing me to a number of influencial industry people at the event.

Sadly, Ernie Harwell has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer and at 91 is dealing with this situation the way he has lived his life, with class and integrity.

He will be sorely missed. I am so happy to have known him, even as little as I did, and hope that he takes solice in knowing what he meant to Detroit and to the game he so loved, baseball.