It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad & I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure. I’m not leaving, folks. I’ll still be with you, living my life in Michigan – my home state – surrounded by family & friends. And rather than goodbye, please allow me to say thank you. Thank you for letting me be part of your family. Thank you for taking me with you to that cottage up north, to the beach, the picnic, your work place & your backyard. Thank you for sneaking your transistor under the pillow, as you grew up loving the Tigers. Now, I might have been a small part of your life. But you’ve been a very large part of mine. And it’s my privilege & honor to share with you the greatest game of all”
Ernie Harwell leaves the booth for the last time!!
Ernie Harwell Leaves the Booth for the Last Time: A Farewell to a Legend
For decades, Ernie Harwell’s voice painted vivid pictures of America’s pastime, transforming every Tigers game into a shared experience of joy, nostalgia, and love for baseball. Now, the time has come to say goodbye. But, as Harwell himself expressed, goodbyes are sad—and he’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure, to cherished moments with family and friends, and to a well-earned rest after years of dedicated storytelling in the broadcast booth.
The name Ernie Harwell is synonymous with Detroit Tigers baseball. Through his iconic voice, he became not just a broadcaster, but a beloved family member in households across Michigan and beyond. His departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to echo through the speakers and memories of fans who grew up with his calls.
A Voice That Became a Tradition
Born in Georgia in 1918, Harwell’s journey into the world of sports broadcasting began in the 1940s. By the time he joined the Tigers’ radio team in 1960, he had already solidified his reputation as a masterful storyteller. But it was in Detroit where he truly became a legend. His Southern charm, eloquent delivery, and unwavering passion for the game made him a comforting presence to fans of all generations.
For 42 years, Harwell’s commentary was as much a part of a Tigers game as the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd. Whether it was a sunny afternoon at Tiger Stadium or a cool evening at Comerica Park, his voice was a constant companion. Listeners took him everywhere—to picnics, cottages up north, the beach, and even to bed, sneaking their transistor radios under their pillows to hear him narrate another thrilling game.
A Goodbye That’s Not Really Goodbye
Harwell’s retirement speech was more than just a farewell; it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
“I’m not leaving, folks. I’ll still be with you, living my life in Michigan—my home state—surrounded by family and friends. And rather than goodbye, please allow me to say thank you.”
These words encapsulated the deep bond he shared with his audience. While he may no longer be calling games, his presence will always be felt by those who grew up listening to him describe the magic of baseball.
More Than Just a Broadcaster
Harwell’s impact extended far beyond the booth. He was a historian of the game, a poet who turned baseball into a timeless narrative. His signature phrases, such as “Two for the price of one!” on a double play or “He stood there like the house by the side of the road and watched it go by” on a called third strike, became part of Tigers lore.
But his kindness and humility set him apart as well. Harwell never saw himself as larger than the game. To him, he was simply a vessel through which the beauty of baseball could be shared. His love for the fans was evident in every word he spoke, and that love was reciprocated tenfold.
A Career to Be Celebrated
Over his illustrious career, Harwell received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981. His contributions to the sport and the city of Detroit were recognized at every level, yet he remained as humble as ever, always crediting the game itself and its devoted fans.
Harwell’s voice may no longer fill the airwaves, but his legacy will forever remain woven into the fabric of baseball. The memories he created for generations of Tigers fans will live on, replayed in highlight reels and retold through stories shared among family and friends.
A Final Thank You
As Harwell steps away from the microphone for the final time, he leaves behind more than just a career—he leaves behind a community of fans who feel as though they’re losing a dear friend. But true to his nature, he asks for no sadness, only gratitude.
“Thank you for letting me be part of your family. Thank you for taking me with you to that cottage up north, to the beach, the picnic, your workplace, and your backyard. Now, I might have been a small part of your life, but you’ve been a very large part of mine. And it’s my privilege and honor to share with you the greatest game of all.”
For Tigers fans, Ernie Harwell was more than a broadcaster—he was the soundtrack of their summers, the voice of their memories, and the heart of baseball in Detroit. Though he may be stepping away, his words will never fade.
Thank you, Ernie. You’ll always be with us.