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THE DEFINITION OF BASEBALL * Ernie Harwell * Ernie Harwell’s Audio Scrapbook (2009)

 

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REFLECTIONS. THE VOICE of SUMMER REMEMBERED

 

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DETROIT (May 14, 2015) — Ernie Harwell. Five years having passed. Since the summer voice of Tigers baseball went silent, Tuesday, May 4, 2010.

In wake of his passing, I was compelled I pay my final respects for Ernie Harwell that day, as he lay in repose in an open casket, a cold morning that was Comerica Park, May 6, 2010.

As most of you already know, this was Ernie’s expressed desire.

Sometime in 2009, after having been diagnosed with incurable cancer, Ernie had asked this of his friend, Mike Illitch. Of course! Mike said, whatever you want, Ernie!

It would be, somewhere I had read, in a sense, Ernie’s way of saying goodbye to us all for the last time. (Ernie’s funeral was private. It was held for members of his family only, as he had wished).

I arrived at Comerica Park, before 8:30 AM. The line was, to my surprise, very sparse that morning. In gazing upon the very reason why I were there, I reflected upon this gracious man who laid there in peaceful solemnity before us all.

Dave Dombrowski, the Detroit Tigers General Manager, stood waiting at aisle’s end. I extended my hand over to him. I took a moment to express my personal condolences. Dave listened. We shook hands. He personally thanked me for being there on behalf of Ernie Harwell, and the entire Harwell family. Likewise, just as he thanked and shook hands with everyone who came to the ballpark throughout the day, in saying their final goodbyes.

While many there held cameras, I asked a Tigers’ attendant permission — if I may be allowed to use my camera. I was assured the Tigers organization, on behalf of the Harwell family, had okayed use of personal cameras that day as well.

I left for my camera in my vehicle. Having returned, the attendants at the gates were kind enough allowing me back inside, with my camera, for a second time.

These were my moments I captured. With the exception of the very last one, I took these photographs in the forty-fifty minutes while there early that morning. I will share several of them with you today.

Ernie Harwell.

I knew the name from as far back as I can remember. When I first heard that distinct, Georgia-accented voice while listening to Tiger baseball at a very young age, along with my dad, on the radio. Was that 1960? Now that. That was a long, long time ago.

Ernie, thanks for the memories. May your soul find rest in God’s Eternal Mercy and Grace now and forevermore.

— Jim Feliciano

 

 

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