Ernie Harwell Has Incurable Cancer

Harwell: 'I'm not saying goodbye; I'm here'
Tigers broadcasting legend battling bile duct cancer
Tom Gage / The Detroit News

Detroit -- It began in July with what he hoped was just an upset stomach.

But it was more than that -- and is more than that.

At 91, Ernie Harwell has incurable bile duct cancer.

However, with the firm resolve it is "God's plan for me," the Tigers Hall-of-Fame broadcaster who became a part of our lives, a favorite of generations and a friend of those he hadn't even met is facing his illness with the grace that has been the hallmark of his career.

He'd like to ask a favor of everyone, though. Wish him well, keep him in your thoughts. Pray for him if you pray.

But please don't refer to him yet in the past tense.

"I'm not saying goodbye, I'm here," Ernie said on Friday with characteristic spunk. "I plan to live life to the fullest until it's over. In fact, I'm heading out to lunch in a few minutes, and I'm going to have some ice cream. Maybe even some macaroni."

http://detnews.com/article/20090904/SPORTS0104/909040405/Harwell---I-m-not-saying-goodbye--I-m-here-

I was very saddened to hear this news. Ernie Harwell has always been a class act. I was around eight when I started following the Tigers in an era when every game wasn't broadcast on TV. I spent many days and nights during my childhood listening to Ernie and Paul Carey call the Tigers games on WJR radio and enjoyed every minute of it. He had many classic catch phrases. One of my favorites was on a called third strike when he would say "He stood there like the house by the side of the road." I really admire him for keeping an upbeat attitude during his battle with cancer.

I don't know who this guy is.... but I am sorry to hear he has cancer, particularly at 91. Just seems he deserves to go peacefully after all the years he has lived through.