Ernie Harwell
Ernie Harwell
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
---------------------------
Ernest Michael Harwell was the common name of this legendary American baseball announcer, known affectionately to many as "The Voice of Baseball" or simply Ernie.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Ernie Harwell was born on January 25, 1915, in Olive Branch, Illinois. He passed away on May 4, 2000, at the age of 85, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the world of baseball broadcasting.
Nationality and Profession(s)
-------------------------------
Harwell was an American sports announcer, best known for his work as a play-by-play commentator for Major League Baseball (MLB).
Early Life and Background
---------------------------
Ernie Harwell's love affair with baseball began at an early age. Growing up in Illinois, he would often listen to Chicago Cubs games on the radio, captivated by the descriptive voices of announcers like Quin Ryan and Bill Harridge. As a young man, Harwell worked as a newspaper reporter for the _Springfield Journal_ before joining the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
After his military service, Harwell transitioned to sports broadcasting, eventually landing his first MLB assignment with the Detroit Tigers in 1948. His smooth, poetic style quickly earned him recognition and praise from fans and colleagues alike.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Throughout his illustrious career, Ernie Harwell achieved numerous milestones:
He was a play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers (1948-1960) and later served as their television voice (1961).
In 1957, he became the first full-time radio announcer in MLB history.
* Harwell won two Emmy Awards for his work with the Detroit Tigers.
Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
One of Ernie Harwell's most notable contributions to baseball broadcasting was his ability to weave poetic and descriptive narratives around the game. His signature phrases, such as "It's time for baseball" and "That's a winner," became synonymous with the excitement and nostalgia of America's favorite pastime.
Harwell also demonstrated a passion for mentoring young announcers, having mentored Hall of Fame play-by-play announcer Jack Buck during his early years in broadcasting.
Quotes by Ernie Harwell
Ernie Harwell's insights on:
I think if you checked the attendance records of all the announcers, you’d find a lot better record than you would of anybody else in any other business because we love the game and have a passion for it.
Everybody in the minor leagues – if you’re a player, an announcer, whatever – wants to be in the big leagues.
I’ve been lucky to broadcast some great events and to broadcast the exploits of some great players.
I have great faith that Heaven’s there and I’ll see my brothers and my mom and dad when I get there.
I’d like to be remembered as someone who showed up for the job. I consider myself a worker.
Also I’m a part of the people that I’ve worked with in baseball that have been so great to me, Mr. Earl Mann of Atlanta, who gave me my first baseball broadcasting job.
I think I owe thanks to the people who have listened to me over the years, who tuned in on the radio. They have given me a warmth and loyalty that I’ve never been able to repay. The way they have reached out to me has certainly been the highlight of my life.
