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Home  / News & Publications /  Michigan Catholic News / 2010 /  Local Catholics fondly remember Tigers' announcer

by Marylynn G. Hewitt, SFO of The Michigan Catholic
Published May 7, 2010
Updated: May 14, 2010

Photo Courtesy of The Detroit Tigers

DETROIT - In the end, what we remember are simple, yet endearing things. Pure exchanges, small gestures of courtesy, a smile and a few words were what made a man great for many generations.

For most, all he gave us were words - and phrases, such as "Loooooong gone" and "he stood there like the house by the side of the road." Ernie Harwell, the announcer for the Detroit Tigers and the voice of summer for generations, gave of his heart. And that's what made all the difference. In a world driven to catch the high-tech spin of bigger and better, it was the slow drawl of his Georgia roots that captivated and carried us.

As Detroit mourns the passing of Harwell, 92, who died of cancer May 4, those in the Catholic community share their own fond memories of the legendary announcer. For those who never met him, his voice evoked lazy summer evenings, transistor radios and fireflies. For those who did, he validated their effort to seek him out.

Tom Caruso, principal of Christ the Good Shepherd School in Lincoln Park, is one for whom Harwell's words made a difference at one of life's milestones. Tom was working his second job at the time as an usher/guard/ticket-taker at Tiger Stadium in May of 1981. It was the first Mother's Day for his wife, Carolynn, and Tom had to work a double-header. Early that morning, he saw Ernie walking through the concourse and asked if he could help recognize his wife's first Mother's Day celebration.

That afternoon, Carolynn and newborn Kyle were sitting in the backyard listening to the Tigers when Ernie announced, "Well, the Tigers want to wish a very happy first Mother's Day to Mrs. Carolynn Caruso and her new son, Kyle. Her husband Tom is busy escorting fans to their seats in the left field grandstand. Best wishes to Carolynn and all of our Tiger moms throughout the state!" The family, which now includes daughter, Sarah, has celebrated many Mother's Days since but Tom says that "Mother's Day memory from Ernie Harwell is priceless."

Cardinal Adam Maida recalls working with Harwell on various charitable causes and fundraisers through the years. "He was blessed with a wonderful spirit of caring and a great human heart."

Cardinal Maida remembers that when he first came to Detroit, he was able to be in the broadcast booth while Harwell announced a game. "It was quite an enjoyable and unique experience.

"Since then, there were a number of occasions when we shared common interests not only regarding the city of Detroit but other causes as well. The world of baseball and Detroit has lost a great ambassador. He will be greatly missed."

Harwell also lent his voice to Catholic Television of Detroit viewers in the early 1990s for "The Parables of Mark: Then & Now." John Quayle, who was the audio announcer at the time, recalls Harwell singing a snippet of an old hymn that one of the Scripture passages evoked while waiting in the booth for a detail. Harwell also graciously did an interview with Richard Laskos, who was the public relations director in September 1991 for "Communique."

He lent his voice, another sprinkling of a few words, which brings about a fond memory for Fred M. Mainville of Attica. In 1993, Mainville, a member of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, North Branch, worked for WWGZ, 1350-AM, as the Saturday morning DJ. He wrote Harwell asking for a sweeper, a few recorded words broadcast between songs or following a commercial break, and an autographed photo.

Two weeks later, the photo arrived from the Tigers spring training base in Lakeland, Fla., along with a note from Harwell saying that that while he didn't get to the studio often, he would do the sweeper when he could. Within two weeks, the prized tape made its way to Mainville, past Grand Knight, Our Lady Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus Council No. 4556 Imlay City and former State Squires Director Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus. The gift of words announced: "This is Tiger broadcaster Ernie Harwell and you're listening to Fred Mainville on Country Gold AM1530 WGZ. Thank you and good night." Of that kind gesture, Mainville says, "To say the least, these items are very treasured. I will never forget the generosity and friendship that he extended to me. Most personalities today would have a staff member rubber stamp a picture and send you a form letter. Mr. Harwell took the time to do this for me."

Catholic schools will be a long-time beneficiary of the work and words of Harwell as a couple thousand copies of his four-disc CD "Ernie Harwell's Audio Scrapbook" are for sale at $19.84 each (the last year the Tigers won the World Series) to benefit the Detroit Catholic League. Some of his early interviews of the greats, such as Jackie Robinson, some of his baseball calls, on-air comments and bits of his own documentary are offered on the disc, said Detroit Catholic League Director Vic Michaels.

"Ernie Harwell's audio scrapbook" was made available through Gary Spicer, who Michaels said, has long been "a good friend of the League" as well as being Harwell's attorney and longtime friend.

On a more personal note, Michaels had the opportunity to meet Harwell a couple years ago at an opening day breakfast. "He was a tremendous man of faith. He was exactly what I thought he was, real gentle, and generous and a great man," Michaels recalls. He, as others, felt they got to know Harwell by listening to Tigers games. "You grew up listening to him. The Tigers weren't on TV every night. They were on (TV) on Sundays, so the rest of the week you listened to Ernie Harwell. He was everywhere - picnics, barbecues and in homes - he was always on."

Don Lipinski, principal of St. Mary Wayne, had the opportunity to meet Harwell three times. Each time, Harwell spent about 10 minutes with him, and Lipinski also got a photo with him. "After speaking with him, you felt as if he had known you for several years. He was very gracious and always thanked me for being a fan of the game he loved and for supporting the Tigers. All the while I was trying to thank him for his many contributions," Lipinski recalls. "Most impressive, as I look back now as an adult, was the way Ernie would call the game with such respect for each and every player. He applauded anyone who was deserving, even if they were not on the home team. Although Ernie has joined God, he has left many memories and stories for all of us to enjoy and share with future generations."