April 9 is Ernie Harwell Day

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) - The Michigan Senate approved a resolution Thursday to recognize April 9, 2010 as Ernie Harwell Day in Michigan, said Sen. Randy Richardville, sponsor of the measure.

That is the same day as the Detroit Tigers' home opener against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. But Harwell's medical condition will prevent him from attending the game as he announced last year he was battling terminal cancer.

"Mr. Harwell is a perfect fit with the working-class values of Michigan residents and has left a lasting impression on the game of baseball," Richardville, R-Monroe, said in a news release. "He is respected by the players, past and present, and loved by all the fans."

Harwell was born and raised in Georgia. He spent 55 years broadcasting major league baseball, beginning his career with the Atlanta Crackers in 1943 before moving to the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948. In 1960, he joined the Detroit Tigers, where he broadcasted for 42 years, only ever missing two broadcasts.

Harwell received the Ford C. Frick award for broadcasting excellence from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981. He was the first active broadcaster to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown and has been inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, the National Sportscasters Hall of Fame, and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. He was named the Michigan Sportscaster of the Year 17 times.

"Generations of state residents and Tigers fans grew up listening to Ernie Harwell's unique and memorable broadcasting style," Richardville said. "My Senate colleagues and I are pleased to recognize his contribution to baseball in Michigan in this small way."