William Ernest (Ernie) Harwell

William Earnest “Ernie” Harwell

Detroit Tigers Broadcaster (1960 – 1991, 1993 - 2002)

Ernie Harwell was born in Washington, Georgia but grew up in Atlanta. He went on to attend Emory University and upon graduation went on to work as a copy editor and sportswriter for the Atlanta Constitution. Harwell served four years in the United States Marine Corps and upon his release went on to broadcast games for the minor league Atlanta Crackers. Harwell became the only announcer in history to be traded for a player as Branch Rickey, the Dodgers GM, traded a player to the Crackers for Harwell’s broadcasting contract. Harwell broadcast for five different team from 1948 – 2002, forty-two of these seasons with the Tigers. Harwell also broadcast the Masters Golf tournament as well as college and professional football. Harwell was named the Michigan Sportscaster of the year 19 times and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1989, he received the Ford Frick Award in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ernie Harwell has been inducted into numerous other Halls of Fame including the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. He passed away on May 4, 2010 at 92 years of age.