MLB

I was making dinner for my family Tuesday evening when I got a text  telling me that Ernie Harwell had died at age 92, having suffered from cancer.

Normally, I do not react much when hearing about the death of somebody famous. I feel bad for those who knew the person, but since I don't know the person, I don't feel a need to mourn.

25 Observations and Thoughts on April

1. Dear Red Sox Nation: Chill. As bad as the Sox have looked so far, it's a marathon, not a sprint.

2. Target Field looks gorgeous; high on my list of ballparks to see.

Major league Baseball lost one of its greatest icons today, when legendary Tigers brodcaster Ernie Harwell lost his battle with cancer.

Even though we all knew it was coming it still does not remove the pain that the City of Detroit is going through right now.

Harwell's brodcasting career began in 1943 for the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association.

A.J. Burnett allowed one run over 7.1 innings, and Francisco Cervelli collected three hits to lead New York over Baltimore, 4-1, Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.

Many fans of Major League Baseball show their support for their favorite player or team by wearing jerseys or caps, going to the ballpark, or sitting on the edge of their seat in front of the television.

What most fans don’t see is the player behind the uniform.

Last year, you might recall I had a season-long series on the art of the stolen base and whether or not we'll ever see a 100-steal man again.

While I have my doubts, I will however be continuing that monthly column update with yearly totals so look for that at the beginning of each month for the rest of the season.

With that here is the first installment of 2010:

Ernie Harwell's voice was the soundtrack of my childhood.

Growing up as a sports fan in Michigan, how could it not be?

With today's heart-wrenching news that Ernie has passed away, it's time for me to belatedly dig back through the wonderful memories.

I know millions of Tigers fans—okay, millions of people—have great memories of Ernie Harwell.

But I can't speak for them.

I can only share mine.

- - -

I remember counting down the days until the first spring training game of each season.

These rankings are based on a 300-point system, 150 for offensive production and 150 for pitching production. 30 points (1 point for each team) is the most points any team can get in a given category. For instance, if the Rays lead the league in HR’s they will get 30 points for that category. The 5 offensive categories used: HR’s, RBI’s, Runs, Average, and SB’s. The 5 pitching categories used: Wins, Saves, WHIP, ERA, and K’s.

Ernie Harwell came to Detroit in 1960, and he never left.

Throughout his 43 years calling baseball games for the Tigers, he inspired many a young baseball fan.

He was behind the microphone when the Tigers were World Champions in 1968 and 1984. He called the final game at Tiger Stadium and the first at Comerica Park. He also called countless contests in between.

So there I was, sitting at the table watching sportscenter and drinking my morning coffee.

My wife had woke up and fixed herself a cup of tea.

As she rolled her eyes when she realized it was not the morning news, but sports once again, on the TV.

It was about that time that the story about the fan, Steve Consalvi, who ran on to the field during a Philadelphia Phillies game came on.