Wednesday night at Comerica park was a special evening for the 25,000 fans that attended the Tigers/Royals game.  Yes, it was a nice comeback win for the home team.  Yes, the Tigers are in the middle of a pennant race.  The night was special however because of one special human being.  Ernie Harwell provided the crowd with a very special heart-felt moment in the third inning.  He addressed the crowd and thanked them for their support and loyalty.  Except, we are the ones the should be thanking him for those very traits.

As a native Detroiter, I am keenly aware of what the greatest Tigers broadcaster of them all means to this city and to the game.  He is the single greatest inspiration in my professional career.  Ernie's abilities grab hold of you and never let go.  His call of Tigers baseball in the 70's and 80's drove me to pursue a career in broadcasting.  In my mind he was, and will always be, the voice of the Detroit Tigers. All of us are just keeping his seat warm.

So, on Wednesday night, for one last time, I had a chance to share a booth with Ernie.  This time, we weren't calling a game.  We just talked.  I thanked him for inspiring me to become a broadcaster and more importantly for setting the bar so high, that you can't afford but to give it your best every single night.  For being one of the truly great people in the game.  He smiled brightly and thanked us for we have done for him.  Classic Ernie, always shining the spotlight on others.

Tigers fans have been blessed with a rare talent since 1960.  On Wednesday night, weakend by his illness, Mr. Harwell showed yet again why he just may be the greatest sports figure this town has ever seen.