Gone But Not Forgotten

Last week, baseball lost one of the good men of the game. Ernie Harwell died at the age of 92. For 42 years, Ernie was the play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers. Coincidentally, his first season in Detroit was my second season of life. For nearly 20 years, he brought the Tigers to me through the radio. He matched the pace of the summer-some highs, some lows, but mostly a nice, relaxed pace. His presence was always assumed. In the past few years, I've seen shows about him or heard clips from games he called. Though everyone calls their announcer the best-Ernie Harwell was.

Last year, Philadelphia lost Harry Kalas and there was deep mourning for a lost friend. I know Detroit is going through the same hurt today. Ernie Harwell was 92 and as he said, worked at something he loved. I was saddened when I heard of his death on Tuesday. Memories of people I've known, neighborhoods, ball games, and high school all came flooding back because of the death of a man I never knew personally, but represents an impressionable part of my life. There is a certain sadness in thinking about all that's behind me. I'm also buoyed by the fact that I remember my family, friends and experiences in Michigan fondly and with clarity. In two years I'll see many of them at our 35th reunion. Until then, there is Facebook.

Most of us would sign up for a good quality of life into the 90's. Ernie Harwell knew he was blessed with a long life doing what he loved. To read the eulogies, the love was mutual. Willie Horton, the Tigers left fielder in the 60's and 70's said it was a blessing to have him in his life. Is that such a bad legacy to leave behind? Ernie Harwell left the world a better place. It's a goal worth living.