Harwell recalled fondly

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS

Last September, Ernie Harwell came to Comerica Park in Detroit for a formal farewell.

It was Harwell’s voice that made him famous, and the Detroit Tigers were focused on every word.

Harwell addressed the team before that game, giving a stirring speech that is still remembered fondly in the clubhouse.

Manager Jim Leyland called it “priceless” and “fulfilling.” Shortstop Adam Everett was one of several players motivated and moved by Harwell’s talk.

“Nobody said a word,” Everett said Wednesday, the day after the Hall of Fame broadcaster died at age 92 after fighting cancer. “I don’t think anybody blinked the whole time. That’s how intense it was.”

The speech wasn’t so much “win one for Ernie” as it was about his thoughts on life and baseball, his appreciation of the game.

“It’s inspirational. It’s unbelievable,” Tigers catcher Gerald Laird said. “That guy left his mark on this game, and he’s definitely going to be remembered forever — as long as this game’s going on.”

Leyland’s eyes teared up when talking about Harwell.

“It’s rare that you go 47 years in professional baseball and you never hear one negative remark about Ernie Harwell,” Leyland said.

“Never. That just doesn’t happen.”