If a few things straighten up and nothing else goes stupid, Ive been asked to teach a two or three day writing seminar at a local college in mid January. Its a long time from now until then but just in case all of those things that have to go right, do go right, I am getting my project into shape. I was beginning to work on my proposed dialogue, when something occurred to me that you might not think is profound but I find it so. Ive told the story of my first real writing efforts at the age of six and I remember showing the story to my paternal Grandfather. He read it and told me, It is real good boy but I knew you should be a good writer. After all, you grew up listening to story tellers and liars! While I know he was truthful in that part in referring to himself, his friends that frequented his place, and my other older relatives, and their weekly big leg-pulling contest held every Saturday night at his place simply because so many of them had been banned from the local bar, I was just going to write about that when I remembered another story teller in my early childhood. I have been a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan and cant remember a time when I didnt try to listen to every game I could via radio or television. It would be hard to count all of the games I listened to on this old transistor radio I had beside my bed. Such sweet memories! I had the privilege to grow up in the golden age of Tiger broadcasting, especially once the legendary Ernie Harwell and his side kick, former Tiger third baseman George Kell began doing the play by play duties for Detroit back in 1960. I could close my eyes and I could just see the live action from the words Ernie painted in his play by play call. His patter was so smooth and it seemed that he knew virtually everyone in the stands and on both teams. I was a few more years older when I finally realized that Ernie was making up some of his patter but it never bothered me. When the Tigers would make those west coast swings for playing the Angels and others, I know I would fall asleep with Ernie and George talking to me. George later moved to the TV side of the broadcast and I watched when I could but my partnership with Ernie last about 40 years and it was like we were family. He had a way with words that without question became a part of me. Listen to the clip Ive attached and youll see what I mean. Ernie played a large part in my life and although he is no longer with us, I can still hear his voice making the calls. Thanks Ernie for a lifetime of friendship! https://youtube/watch?v=2vGEcx4RSZU
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:29:15 +0000
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