Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell has been diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Harwell spoke to the Detroit Free Press about his disease. “We don’t know how long this lasts. … It could be a year, it could be much less than a year, much less than a half a year. Who knows? … Whatever’s in store, I’m ready for a new adventure. That’s the way I look at it.”
The 91-year-old Harwell made his broadcasting debut in 1943, before spending 42 years (1960-2002) as the voice of the Detroit Tigers. Harwell has also written weekly columns for the Detroit Free Press, and plans to write his final column for the paper at the end of this month.
Despite the diagnosis, Harwell continues to work. Next week, he will record two commercials for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, before retiring from his position as the organization’s health and fitness advocate. Additionally, he plans to publish a book of his Detroit Free Press columns.
