Ernie Harwell
Ernie Harwell, the “voice of the Tigers,” brought baseball to generations of fans in Detroit and beyond with his distinctive broadcasting style and folksy charm. Born in 1918, Harwell’s career spanned over five decades, encompassing stints with multiple major league teams before becoming synonymous with the Detroit Tigers. His ability to connect with listeners through storytelling and a genuine love of the game earned him widespread recognition, culminating in the 1981 Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence.[1]
History
William Earnest Harwell was born on January 25, 1918, in Washington, Georgia, a small town with a population of approximately 2,500.[2] His early life was shaped by his family’s business – a furniture store and funeral parlor operated by his father and uncle. Even as a child, Harwell demonstrated a strong affinity for baseball, playing the game whenever possible and following it closely on the radio. He began practicing broadcasting at a young age, offering play-by-play commentary for imaginary Atlanta Crackers games to patrons of a local drugstore, despite a speech impediment that initially made pronouncing the letter “s” difficult.[3]
Harwell’s broadcasting career began to take shape in 1940, while he was still a student at Emory University. He secured a position as sports director at radio station WSB in Atlanta, hosting a fifteen-minute sports program twice daily. This role allowed him to interview prominent sports figures of the time, including Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Connie Mack, and Jack Dempsey.[4] After graduating from Emory, Harwell continued to build his resume, working as an Atlanta correspondent for *The Sporting News* starting in 1934 and contributing to the sports department of the *Atlanta Constitution* from 1936 to 1940.[5] He also served in the United States Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946, interrupting his broadcasting career during World War II.
Notable Residents
While Harwell’s career took him to several cities, his most enduring connection was with Detroit and its baseball fans. He initially arrived in Detroit through a trade of sorts, following a stint with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948, having been traded from the Atlanta Crackers broadcast booth for Dodgers minor league catcher Cliff Dapper.[6] He became the voice of the Tigers, a role he held for many decades, captivating audiences with his unique style. Harwell’s broadcasts were characterized by his Southern drawl, colorful anecdotes, and memorable phrases, such as describing a home run as “long gone” or a strikeout as a batter “standing there like the house by the side of the road.”[7]
Harwell’s impact extended beyond the baseball diamond. He was a beloved figure in the Detroit community, known for his humility and genuine appreciation for his fans. He often referenced local landmarks and communities in his broadcasts, creating a sense of connection with listeners from Saginaw to St. Clair Shores.[8] He understood that the game itself was the primary focus, stating in a 2005 interview that “The game has got to be paramount. People are going to listen to the game no matter who’s announcing it, they want to find out who’s winning and what the score is and everything else is pretty much secondary.”[9]
Culture
Ernie Harwell’s broadcasting style significantly influenced the culture surrounding Detroit Tigers baseball. He wasn’t simply reporting the game; he was weaving narratives, creating a shared experience for listeners, and fostering a sense of community. His folksy anecdotes and gentle humor made the broadcasts accessible and enjoyable for fans of all ages. He had a knack for humanizing the players, offering insights into their personalities and backgrounds, which deepened the connection between the team and its supporters.[10]
Harwell’s influence extended beyond his on-air presence. He embodied a sense of integrity and professionalism that resonated with the city of Detroit. He approached his work with a quiet dignity and a genuine respect for the game, setting a standard for broadcasters and sports commentators. His commitment to the principles of fair play and sportsmanship contributed to the positive image of the Detroit Tigers and the city itself. The Detroit Historical Society recognizes Harwell’s importance to the city's cultural landscape.[11]