Remembering Ernie Harwell – Last Tiger Broadcast

Remembering Ernie Harwell: The Voice of Detroit Tigers Baseball

Few voices have resonated as deeply in the hearts of Detroit sports fans as that of Ernie Harwell. For over four decades, Harwell served as the beloved play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers, broadcasting from WJR Radio and later other stations, where his timeless storytelling and warm Southern drawl became synonymous with summer nights at the ballpark.

Born on January 25, 1918, in Washington, Georgia, Harwell’s path to the broadcast booth was anything but ordinary. A young boy enthralled by the radio, he developed an early fascination with the medium. After graduating from Emory University, Harwell’s career began in newspapers before transitioning to radio, where he honed his craft.

In 1948, Harwell made history when the Brooklyn Dodgers acquired him from the Atlanta Crackers, a minor league team, in exchange for a player—the only broadcaster to ever be traded for a player in baseball history. This marked the beginning of a storied Major League broadcasting career, which eventually led him to Detroit in 1960.

For 42 seasons, Harwell narrated the triumphs and heartbreaks of Tigers baseball, becoming a trusted companion to fans through the team’s highs and lows. His voice carried through iconic moments, such as the Tigers’ 1968 World Series championship and the unforgettable 1984 season, when Detroit won another World Series. His poetic style—marked by memorable phrases like “He stood there like the house by the side of the road” to describe a called third strike—made his broadcasts unforgettable.

More than just a sportscaster, Harwell was a storyteller, weaving vivid narratives that captured the essence of baseball and its place in the lives of fans. Whether you were in the bleachers, listening at home, or following the game from a fishing boat on one of Michigan’s Great Lakes, Harwell’s voice connected generations of listeners.

Off the air, Harwell was known for his humility and genuine kindness. He was a devout man, deeply rooted in his Christian faith, and his writings often reflected his gratitude for life’s blessings. In 1981, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in broadcasting—a fitting tribute to a career that transcended sports.

Harwell retired in 2002, but his legacy endured. Fans gave him a heartfelt send-off, celebrating his contribution to the game and the city of Detroit. Even in retirement, Harwell remained an ambassador for baseball, writing books and occasionally lending his voice to special projects.

Ernie Harwell re-broadcast of last Tiger Game on WXYT

When Harwell passed away on May 4, 2010, at the age of 92, tributes poured in from across the nation. Comerica Park became a site of remembrance as fans left flowers, notes, and Tigers memorabilia in honor of the man who had brought the game to life for them.

To this day, Ernie Harwell’s spirit lives on in the hearts of Tigers fans and all who were fortunate enough to hear his broadcasts. He was more than just a voice; he was a part of Detroit’s cultural fabric, a reminder of baseball’s enduring ability to bring people together. As we remember Ernie Harwell, we celebrate not just a broadcaster but a cherished storyteller and a symbol of America’s pastime.