Header - Baseball by the Letters

Ernie Harwell’s Final Calls

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We’re all grateful this morning for the life Ernie Harwell devoted to baseball — and baseball fans. This is what I’ll remember most about the Voice Of The Game:

1. Ernie remained humble about his Christianity. He wasn’t one to attach a Bible verse to every autograph. However, the signed photo he provided for my friends at Kings Christian Bookstore (in Boone, Iowa) includes “Mathew 6:33,” only because I requested that he add a favorite verse.

2. Ernie signed my photo across his forehead! When Ernie signed an autograph, he provided an interaction. He wasn’t creating a museum piece. He was making a memory.

3. Read The Babe Signed My Shoe (Honoring a Detroit Legend)
to get an idea of Ernie’s attitude about autographs. A signature was a signature. Someone might grumble that Ernie signed the Topps Fan Favorite card in the dark upper half of the photo. Nevertheless, I don’t think Ernie spent much time fawning over what future generations might make of his face or his autograph.

4. This Southern Gentleman was an all-star at the Palmer School of Penmanship. I looked up countless autographs online after news of his death. Each time, every one of the 12 letters in his name are clear. I’m guessing that he’d provide the same clear signature for one and all, even when a crowd clamored for his autograph.

5. Warner Fuselle, a former narrator for This Week in Baseball, advised me on a book project years ago. “Try Ernie Harwell,” he suggested. “He’s the nicest man in baseball.”

A Standing Ovation for Ernie Harwell

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For, lo, the winter is past,
The rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of the singing of birds is come,
And the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.

Ernie Harwell is a man of Biblical proportions. He didn’t write such a verse. It’s from the Song of Solomon (2:11-12). But his annual welcoming of baseball’s return rang in my mind today, a perfect morning pre-game welcome for this gorgeous May day.

The 92-year-old Tigers broadcasting legend told the baseball world more than eight months ago that he’s facing inoperable cancer. The state of Michigan celebrated Ernie Harwell Day in April. I want to celebrate Ernie Harwell’s spirit every day.

I still treasure my copy of the book Ernie Harwell: My 60 Years In Baseball (Honoring a Detroit Legend)
Likewise, I’ve been delighted with Harwell’s own Breaking 90: Nine Decades Young and Still Loving Baseball

As we face the loss of the game’s grateful inspiration, I wanted to share a copy of a letter I sent upon Harwell’s 2002 retirement — to Mrs. Lulu Harwell.

Dear Mrs. Harwell,

It’s time you get a “fan letter,” too. Instead, I’d call this a thank-you note.
When I learned that you have listened to ALL of Mr. Harwell’s broadcasts through the years, I swooned. Baseball history is full of amazing behind-the-scenes leaders like managers and general managers. They allow the players to take all the bows. Well, Tigers fans should offer you yearly standing ovations, too. You’ve kept the voice we love on the air.

Tiger fans have spent seasons enchanted by Ernie Harwell broadcasts. Each fan has thought he’s talking directly to HIM. That’s the magic. He’s always made that personal on-air connection knowing that he’ll be appreciated by one special Ernie Harwell fan. You! Fans like me overhear. We are the blessed eavesdroppers.
I’m grateful for the many summers you’ve shared your husband with the baseball world. I hope you and Mr. Harwell have a lovely retirement together.

Thank you, Ernie. Thank you, Lulu. I wish you many more innings together.

Catcher Tom Lundstedt’s Humble Twins Salary

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Catcher Tom Lundstedt shared a glimpse of what 1970s felt like with a small-market team when replying to my 2000 letter.

He started with the Cubs and ended with the Twins in a too-brief career that dates from 1973 to 1975. Cub fans might remember that Lundstedt was a FIRST-ROUND draft pick in 1970.

In both places, Lundstedt wasn’t overwhelmed with free-spending owners. I asked him if he ever dealt with Chicago’s P.K. Wrigley or Minnesota’s Calvin Griffith. Lundstedt replied:

“I never had any direct contact with P.K. Wrigley but Calvin Griffith’s another story. He ran the whole show – negotiated contracts, made trades, etc. I was traded to the Twins in the winter of 1974 because I had refused the Cubs contract offer.

“When I met with Calvin to negotiate, he offered less than the amount I had turned down from the Cubs. When I asked why, he said, “Because you’re catching is no damn good!” I wonder if that’s what the arbitration hearings of this era are like?

“I have come to admire Calvin as the years go by. He was a true character who really cared about the good of baseball.”

Tom Lundstedt became an all-star, even if it wasn’t in baseball. Such a victory is small wonder, considering his winning attitude. He’s a nationally-known expert on investment real estate and taxation. Check out his impressive business stats at www.tomlundstedt.com.

Imagine the outcome today if this first-round draft pick got to renegotiate that 1970 contract in Chicago!

Ethan Blackaby: Milwaukee Braves Lured by Coca-Cola Advertising Dollars?

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Ethan Blackaby’s brief tenure with the Milwaukee Braves taught him more than on-field skills.

The future general manager for the AAA Phoenix Firebirds (the talent factory for the San Francisco Giants) saw the ownership’s urge to relocate the Braves from Wisconsin.

He wrote:

“My first inkling was the winter of 1964. There was a rumor that Coke had offered the Braves a big advertising package if they moved to Atlanta. Braves accepted the deal and actually planned on moving in 1965, but N.L. vetoed the move. The Braves moved our Triple A team there for one season.”

Blackaby’s first at-bat came in 1962, hitting for Bob Uecker. He collected a pinch-double off Ernie Broglio. Kudos to the amazing Retrosheet website for preserving such memories, especially when the history makers have forgotten. Wrote Blackaby:

“Did I pinch-hit for Uecker? I can’t remember. Uecker is a funny man and I still see him in the winter. He lives here (in Arizona) in the winter.”

What does Blackaby cite as his front office accomplishments as a minor league exec?

“We had some good players, Chili Davis, Jack Clark. My greatest accomplishment was finishing in top-ten of minor league attendance for a period of about five years. I had a great staff.”

Blackaby belted 95 home runs in his minor league career. If he hadn’t been trapped in a power-laden Milwaukee outfield, Blackaby could have found time to shine.

Be sure to stop at the BR Bullpen. Baseball Reference offers a swell summation of Blackaby’s career, along with a classic minor league shot of the Phoenix GM.

Tip Your Cap to Pete Castiglione

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Infielder Pete Castiglione left us April 22. His obituary stated he was 89.

According to the always-helpful www.sportscollectors.net, Pete had signed 48 requests, but sent back blank cards for the first time in October, 2009. That’s a likely sign that a former player’s health is declining.

Pete put his baseball career on hold for four seasons to serve in the Navy during World War II. More about his boyhood days can be found from this fine Connecticut newspaper article.

For my book Collecting Baseball Cards, I looked to Pete for a memory about his four Bowman and one (1952) Topps card appearances. He wrote:

“Players were contacted by an agent representing the baseball cad companies. The fee in those days was either gifts or money. The companies usually gave you a few boxes of the cards. Very few players saved the cards in the late 1940s and 50s. My children played with the cards.”

I can’t say often enough to remember all of baseball’s over-80 retirees NOW. Their numbers are shrinking. They feel a sacred obligation to fans and the sport. Impressive penmanship, attention to detail and appreciation for baseball history are typical of the responses they send. Please, thank them today.