Ernie Harwell in Brooklyn

[D6+]

During the playoff series last month between the Tigers and Yankees, Ernie Harwell had an opportunity to do play by play for a couple of innings on the ESPN telecast. To say the least, it was a treat to listen to Ernie Harwell again. He's still better than at least 95 % of the baseball broadcasters. In terms of the baseball announcers I've heard do live games, I rank Ernie Harwell in the top 2 or 3 of all-time. He's in the elite category with Bob Prince and Vince Scully. Even more importantly, Ernie Harwell is one of the classiest people in baseball history.

Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to listen to Harwell broadcast a Brooklyn Dodgers game. For those of you who had the opportunity to listen to Ernie Harwell as a Brooklyn Dodgers broadcaster, I definitely would be interested in your memories of Harwell with the Dodgers. Thanks.

[musial6]

In the first inning of the first game that Ernie announced in Brooklyn (August 4, 1948), Jackie stole home.

[stan opdyke]

I did not hear Ernie in Brooklyn, that was way before my time. My understanding is that Ernie came to Brooklyn from Atlanta because Red Barber was unable to broadcast because of an ulcer. The Dodgers got Harwell from Atlanta for a minor league catcher. I think that is the only time a broadcaster has been traded for a player.

Vin Scully replaced Harwell in Brooklyn in 1950, when Ernie was hired by the Giants. Ernie went from the Giants to the Orioles, and from there to his long association with the Tigers.

[Paulmcall]

I actually got to interview Ernie at his home a few years ago for about 40 minutes. What a gentleman!:clapping
He had many fond memories of Ebbets Field and the Dodgers.
Cliff Dapper was the catcher he was traded for. Cliff was at a celebration for Ernie in Detroit when he "retired" for the last time a few years ago.
Ernie still does local ads and different baseball stories for the cable channel that broadcasts Tigers' games and writes a weekly column (during the season) for the Detroit Free Press.:atthepc

[D6+]

Thanks everyone for providing additional memories/ info about Ernie Harwell.


This past Sunday, Ernie Harwell and Al Kaline visited the Mets clubhouse prior to the Mets-Tigers game at Comerica Park. According to media reports, Ernie Harwell was wearing a Brooklyn Cyclones cap.