Bill Text: MI HR0278 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Ernie Harwell, former radio and television broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-05-05 - Adopted [HR0278 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-HR0278-Introduced.html
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 278.
A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Ernie Harwell, former radio and television broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers.
Whereas, Members and staff of the Michigan Legislature join baseball fans and the citizens of Michigan who were saddened to learn of the passing of Ernie Harwell, who called Tigers games for 42 seasons making a distinctive mark on all who listened to his legendary play-by-play announcing on the radio every summer. As we express our gratitude for his authoritative and artful broadcasts, we also extend our sincere condolences to his family; and
Whereas, A native of Georgia, Ernie Harwell began his career as the lone sportscaster for a local station, WSB. In 1942, he enlisted in the Marines and honorably served his country during World War II. He restarted his broadcasting career on Opening Day in 1946 as a play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Crackers and moved into the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948; and
Whereas, Ernie Harwell joined the Tigers broadcast team in 1960 and filled the airwaves with his distinctive voice and insight until his retirement in 2002. In 1989, Mr. Harwell was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame. He came to love his adopted state of Michigan and the Detroit Tigers; and
Whereas, Ernie Harwell said:
It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure… … And rather than goodbye, please allow me to say thank you. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family. Thank you for taking me with you to that cottage up north, to the beach, the picnic, your work place and 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 and honor to share with you the greatest game of all.
We thank him for letting us be a part of every game and providing wonderful entertainment many summer afternoons and evenings. It was our privilege to listen. We are grateful for the positive impact he had on our state; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Ernie Harwell; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Harwell family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
