11/05/24
September 04, 2009
Ernie Harwell Fighting Inoperable Cancer: Legendary Detroit Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell, 91, has an inoperable tumor in his bile duct and has been given a prognosis of one year to live. "Because I've lost weight, I can eat almost everything I wanted to," said Harwell, who has been upbeat in media interviews and credits his religious faith. "I've come back to my childhood with ice cream and all those good things."
I know that this is supposed to be sad but I'm damn proud of the way that Mr. Harwell is handling his situation. At 91 years young, Mr. Harwell lived a great life and he brought smiles across the faces of millions of people.
I had an uncle that passed away from stomach cancer a few years back and he was given only 6 months to live and handled it very similar to Mr. Harwell by not allowing that to consume his life with the inevitable. Mind you, my uncle was only 59 when he passed be he lived a pretty decent life. He was in the minors for the Mets before being drafted by the Army, fought in Vietnam and then raised two sons in Ft. Myers, Fl. who followed in their dads footsteps of playing pro ball (they're both in the minors for two seperate MLB teams as we speak).
God bless Ernie Harwell and may he live the rest of his days with a smile on his face and thanks for the memories.
posted by BornIcon at 10:52 AM on September 04, 2009
God bless anyone who is able to keep their head up and their sense of humor in a situation like that.
A few years ago, Rep. Joe Moakley got the news he was terminally ill with cancer and had just weeks to live. Ted Kennedy was helping him and staying in touch as he got all his affairs in order.
As he was tending to all the details, Moakley eventually told Kennedy, "Hell, Ted, I don't know how anyone can afford to die with less than 90 days notice".
Kennedy, in turn, had himself lashed into place in a wheelchair on his sailboat for one last cruise just days before he passed. And gave the day a big thumbs up.
Them's my kind of guys, all of 'em.
posted by beaverboard at 01:27 PM on September 04, 2009
Kinda expect it from old Ernie, tho. I don't think I've ever seen a more cheerful person in my life. And not that "so cheerful you want to kick them" kind of person either. You could have the worst day of your life, but a 5 minute interview with him would put a grin on your face. Hell, I remember when I was a kid, listening to Tigers games on WJR, and a batter would hit a foul into the stands...he'd say "a Tigers fan from
posted by MeatSaber at 05:03 PM on September 04, 2009
Hearing a baseball game without Ernie Harwell's voice is like drinking cheap wine out of a brown paper sack. You can still get a buzz, but it has absolutely no class. I hope in the days he has left, Mr. Harwell sees fit to sit down with one or more decent writers and share the stories he's accumulated over the years. The resultant book might have to be a multi-volume affair, and would be one that would hold the attention of anyone with any feeling at all for the game. Ernie Harwell will be in my prayers.
posted by Howard_T at 05:35 PM on September 04, 2009
It's safe to say Ernie is in my top 3 favourite baseball announcers ever. Tom Cheek and Vin Scully being the other two. I'm sure Ernie will fight this battle with honour and dignity. One of the best, and nicest.
posted by tommybiden at 07:32 PM on September 04, 2009
A very sad day for all Tiger fans, and baseball fans everywhere. I grew up in Michigan and remember listening to Ernie on the radio. We would even turn the TV on mute, when the Tigers were on TV, so we could hear Ernie's play-by-play. He is an icon, one of the all-time most influential men in baseball, professional sports, and beyond. He personally touched my life and the life of millions. He is PURE CLASS. I will pray for him! God Bless You ERNIE!
posted by Vikesfanh8sfavre at 11:30 PM on September 04, 2009
This just ruined my day...thanks rcade...