Ernie Harwell was the radio announcer for the Detroit Tigers for over 40 years. Growing up in Detroit as a kid, I used to have to go to bed before the games ended (especially on school nights) but thankfully my parents allowed me to listen to the rest of the game with the lights out. I spent many nights listening to Ernie tell the tales of Tiger greats such as Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Jack Morris, Lance Parrish, and Kirk Gibson.
Ernie is a major celebrity in Detroit. A few weeks back, Ernie found out that his cancer had become so bad that he only had a short time left to live. As word got out in the press, the hearts of Tiger fans around 
the world poured out to Ernie and his family -- many old memories were remembered.
Tonight, Ernie made an appearance at the ballpark as the 1st place Detroit Tigers faced the Kansas City Royals. With over 25,000 fans on their feet, Ernie addressed the crowd and thanked them for their "devotion, support, loyalty and love". There was not a dry eye in the park -- possibly in all of Metro Detroit.
Ernie thanking his fans.
This is one game I regret not being able to attend. Thankfully, my mom, stepfather, and 90 year old grandpa made it -- sitting along the 3rd baseline behind the Tiger's dugout. I was there in spirit and can imagine how Ernie would have called the game, over the radio waves, as the Tigers came from behind to beat the Royals and keep their 4.5 game lead heading into the last weeks of September.
Grandpa Jack
This was an important one to win.
Bomber flies over Comerica Park as a tribute to Ernie Harwell
