Thus, when the retired Detroit Tigers radio announcer was a kid and as he grew into young adulthood, he either saw or knew all about the great players -- among them Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Tris Speaker, Walter Johnson, Bob Feller, Rogers Hornsby, Grover Cleveland Alexander and many more.

And when Harwell began his major league broadcasting career in 1948, he was to know personally or report about the on-field achievements of countless other superstars, such as Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Sandy Koufax, Pete Rose, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds. The list could go on and on.

What an amazing career this man has had. Today, at age 91, his plight has saddened not only Tiger fans who grew up listening to this talented professional, but also baseball aficionados far beyond the confines of Detroit. Harwell recently was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in his bile duct area.

Despite his grave illness, this gifted and gentle man has displayed the class and dignity for which he was known during his 55 years -- 42 of them with the Tigers -- of calling balls, strikes, home runs and great defensive plays.

Harwell's soft southern accent, his extensive knowledge of the game, his sincerity, his fairness, his humor and his down-to-earth demeanor endeared him to his early listeners, their children and their grandchildren, as well as to his peers -- especially those of his generation.

Harwell was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981 and to the Sportswriters Hall of Fame in 1989.

Jack Moss, retired Kalamazoo Gazette sports editor who lives in Fort Myers, Fla., is well-acquainted with Harwell. "Ernie is a super guy, and he's the greatest-ever Tigers announcer," Moss remarked. "He's a devout man who does so many things for so many people in and outside the baseball realm that you never hear about. Of all the people I've ever known, Ernie Harwell is topped by no one." Moss' assessment is widely shared by millions of people who saw and listened to Harwell.

Blessed with excellent health and boundless energy throughout most of his long life, Ernie Harwell is an unforgettable individual, a sports icon and an institution. He plans to work on a book during the time he has left. He and his wife, Lulu, have been married for 68 years.

Declaring that he is ready for what he described as his "next adventure," Harwell is facing his current situation with the grace, dignity, talent and courage that have made his name a household word in Michigan and beyond.