1990 • Baseball Clip • Ernie Harwell's Definition of Baseball • Radio

Ernie Harwell, an iconic American sportscaster, left an indelible mark on the world of baseball broadcasting. Born in 1918, Harwell's career spanned over six decades, during which he became the voice of the Detroit Tigers for 42 seasons. His warm, folksy narrative style and genuine love for the game endeared him to millions of listeners, making him a beloved figure not just in Michigan but across the United States.Harwell was known for his poetic touch and memorable phrases, but one of his most endearing traditions was the recitation of "The Voice of the Turtle" at the start of each spring training broadcast. This passage, derived from the Song of Solomon in the Bible, symbolizes the arrival of spring and the renewal of life, mirroring the rejuvenation and new beginnings associated with baseball's spring training. By reciting these lines, Harwell connected the timeless ritual of spring to the annual rebirth of baseball, weaving a sense of continuity and hope into the fabric of the sport. This tradition became a cherished rite of spring for baseball fans, further cementing Harwell's legacy as a master storyteller and a treasured voice of the game.