A Day In the Booth With Ernie Harwell

A few years ago, I was privileged to be invited into the booth,
at Tiger Stadium, to witness Ernie calling a CBS Game of the Week,
versus the New York Yankees. It was early in the season, with the
temperature in the low 50s, and the crowd sparse.

Ernie's partner that day was CBS Sports announcer Jim Hunter.
Orchestrating the broadcast was Ernie's long-time buddy, and one
of my favorite people, CBS Radio Sports Producer Norman Baer.

It was a remarkable day, filled with special treats, not the least of
which was hearing Yankees legend, and Ernie's fellow Hall of Famer,
Phil Rizzuto calling an inning with Ernie.

George Kell and Al Kaline, who were doing the TV broadcast, shared
the same booth with us, which moved Jim Hunter to remark, on-air,
"I'm in awe, I've got four Hall-of Famers in the booth with me, folks!"
(Harwell, Rizzuto, Kell and Kaline)

Needless to say, I was delighted that I had brought a camera.
(not to mention my glove - foul balls come back fast in the booth!)

Here is a small sample of the day's memories. I'll be adding more.

Click on thumbnails to view full image

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