Ernie Harwell was a legendary baseball announcer known for his poetic style and insightful commentary. The spelling of his name is pronounced /ˈɜrni ˈhɑrwɛl/, with the emphasis on the first syllable of both names. The "E" sound in "Ernie" is represented by the letter "e", while the "ar" sound in "Harwell" is spelled with the letters "ar". Despite the unusual spelling of his first name, Ernie Harwell remains a beloved figure in baseball history for his contributions to the sport.
Ernie Harwell was an American sportscaster who gained immense recognition and admiration for his iconic career as a play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball. Born on January 25, 1918, in Washington, Georgia, Harwell became a household name for his distinctive voice, charming personality, and deep knowledge of the game.
Harwell's career spanned an incredible six decades, starting in the early 1940s and continuing until his retirement in 2002. He is most famously associated with the Detroit Tigers, having served as their primary radio and television play-by-play announcer for over four decades. Harwell's eloquent and captivating descriptions of the action on the field, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of baseball history, made him an enduring figure in the sport.
Beyond his exceptional broadcasting skills, Harwell was known for his unwavering professionalism and gentlemanly conduct. He covered numerous historic moments in baseball, including the 1951 National League pennant race known as the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" and the 1968 World Series. Harwell was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981, marking his irrefutable impact on the sport and his immense influence on future generations of baseball broadcasters.
In summary, Ernie Harwell was an esteemed American sportscaster, renowned for his eloquent and knowledgeable play-by-play commentary of Major League Baseball games. Throughout his extraordinary career, he became synonymous with the Detroit Tigers and left an indelible mark on the industry as one of baseball's greatest broadcasters.