GaryMrMets
01-24-2002, 07:42 PM
http://tigers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/det/news/det_news_story.jsp?article_id=det_20020109_harwell _news&team_id=det
News
1/9/2002 5:00 pm ET
Harwell signs for 2002
By Todd Lorenz
detroittigers.com
Detroit -- It's not everyday a team signs a living legend, but the Detroit Tigers did just that when they announced today that Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell agreed to return to the radio booth for the 2002 season.
Harwell, 83, agreed to a one-year contract to do play-by-play for the Tiger's flagship station, Team 1270 WXYT, where he'll rejoin broadcast partners, Jim Price and Dan Dickerson for his 55th season calling Major League games.
"It's a game I've loved my entire life," Harwell said. "I've been a part of it for almost eight decades, and every game is still a challenge."
The coming season will mark Harwell's 42nd campaign as the voice of the Tigers, and he still greets each year with great anticipation.
"I think it's a great time of year," Harwell said. "Every pitcher can still win 20, every hitter is going to bat .300, and the announcers aren't going to make any mistakes. I love that every team has hope, no matter what all the experts have said."
While the Tigers' recent pennant dreams have faded faster than a Hollywood marriage, Harwell remains upbeat season after season.
"Of course it's a lot more fun when you win," Harwell said. "But one of the great things about baseball is that you can take each game on its own. You can also enjoy watching the opposition's players, and these guys are the best in the business, so it alleviates some of the pain of a losing team."
Much like his dedicated listeners, Harwell hopes the team can turn things around next year, and he approves of the team's recent moves.
"I think so far they've been good," He said. "They haven't been gigantic, but [Dmitri] Young has a great reputation, and I think [Craig] Paquette is another good addition. A lot depends on if they can get some of the guys who were injured back."
While Harwell has witnessed more Tiger games than anyone, he shows no hesitation when asked about his favorite Tiger teams.
"The two pennant winners are about even to me." He said. "Because both brought a championship to Detroit. The '68 club had an exciting come-from-behind style and the '84 team went wire-to-wire. It's just too hard to pick one. It's like saying one of my sons or daughters is more important than the other."
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the man, who has received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence, is his humility. When asked about his secret for success, Harwell said, "Well, you're assuming that I've been a success. I've been lucky. God's blessed me with great health, and I love what I do. I've only missed two games in 55 years.
I guess the biggest secret is to show up. If you stay around one place long enough, people get to know you."
Tiger fans are certainly fortunate to hear Harwell in the broadcast booth , and can only hope he keeps showing up through 2002 and beyond.
http://tigers.mlb.com/det/photo/2001_news/h/ph_news_harwell_010902_288.jpg
Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell will call his 42nd season of Tiger baseball in 2002.
News
1/9/2002 5:00 pm ET
Harwell signs for 2002
By Todd Lorenz
detroittigers.com
Detroit -- It's not everyday a team signs a living legend, but the Detroit Tigers did just that when they announced today that Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell agreed to return to the radio booth for the 2002 season.
Harwell, 83, agreed to a one-year contract to do play-by-play for the Tiger's flagship station, Team 1270 WXYT, where he'll rejoin broadcast partners, Jim Price and Dan Dickerson for his 55th season calling Major League games.
"It's a game I've loved my entire life," Harwell said. "I've been a part of it for almost eight decades, and every game is still a challenge."
The coming season will mark Harwell's 42nd campaign as the voice of the Tigers, and he still greets each year with great anticipation.
"I think it's a great time of year," Harwell said. "Every pitcher can still win 20, every hitter is going to bat .300, and the announcers aren't going to make any mistakes. I love that every team has hope, no matter what all the experts have said."
While the Tigers' recent pennant dreams have faded faster than a Hollywood marriage, Harwell remains upbeat season after season.
"Of course it's a lot more fun when you win," Harwell said. "But one of the great things about baseball is that you can take each game on its own. You can also enjoy watching the opposition's players, and these guys are the best in the business, so it alleviates some of the pain of a losing team."
Much like his dedicated listeners, Harwell hopes the team can turn things around next year, and he approves of the team's recent moves.
"I think so far they've been good," He said. "They haven't been gigantic, but [Dmitri] Young has a great reputation, and I think [Craig] Paquette is another good addition. A lot depends on if they can get some of the guys who were injured back."
While Harwell has witnessed more Tiger games than anyone, he shows no hesitation when asked about his favorite Tiger teams.
"The two pennant winners are about even to me." He said. "Because both brought a championship to Detroit. The '68 club had an exciting come-from-behind style and the '84 team went wire-to-wire. It's just too hard to pick one. It's like saying one of my sons or daughters is more important than the other."
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the man, who has received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence, is his humility. When asked about his secret for success, Harwell said, "Well, you're assuming that I've been a success. I've been lucky. God's blessed me with great health, and I love what I do. I've only missed two games in 55 years.
I guess the biggest secret is to show up. If you stay around one place long enough, people get to know you."
Tiger fans are certainly fortunate to hear Harwell in the broadcast booth , and can only hope he keeps showing up through 2002 and beyond.
http://tigers.mlb.com/det/photo/2001_news/h/ph_news_harwell_010902_288.jpg
Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell will call his 42nd season of Tiger baseball in 2002.