Today's ornament: Ernie Harwell. For those of you non-baseball fanatics, Ernie was what Detroiter's refer to as 'the long-time voice of the Detroit Tigers' and spent 42 seasons of his career giving fans vivid play-by-plays of as a sportscaster for the Tigers. His voice was familiar. His smile was kind. He loved his life. baseball. And was loved by all. As a little girl, I can distinctly remember hearing his voice calling the final out as the Tigers won the world series in '84.

I was lucky enough to meet Ernie 3 times. And all three times I was taken by his friendly, non-pretentious demeanor. I once waited 3 hours at a Borders to get an autographed copy of his book for a surprise gift to my husband and when finally got to the front of the line realized what was taking so long. If was if there was not another soul in the room and he spent a few minutes conversing with me and did the same with every person in line. He was just that kind of man. Even though my surprise autographed book gift was ruined when his friend presented him with the SAME exact book (also autographed!) the day before I gave him mine (Damn you Sean!) I wouldn't have traded that experience for the world.

One other meeting of Ernie was at one of my father's church functions where Ernie was the guest speaker. I chuckle thinking back to this meeting because as my sister and I posed with him to get a picture he gave my sister a friendly pat on the butt....to this day we still giggle about it.

We have had this ornament on our tree for about the last five years after it was given to us from a co-worker who knew of my love for baseball. This year it takes on a little bit more significance as the world lost Ernie this year. He lived a long, fulfilling 92 years on this planet and has enriched the lives of millions. Ernie Harwell. A truly amazing spirt.

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