Announcer Harwell was ready to meet Jesus

Ernie Harwell spent decades at the Detroit Tigers’ voice of God. That’s a statute of Harwell in front of Comerica Field. Last week, the radio legend died last week after a long battle with cancer. He was 92.

ESPN.com has been in tune with the profound role of Christianity in Harwell’s life. He was a man ready to move on. And possibly the last story ESPN.com would write about Harwell’s life did not disappoint:

A Hall of Fame announcer who was acquired by the Brooklyn Dodgers for a catcher in 1948, Harwell revealed in September that he’d been diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the bile duct. He took the news with characteristic poise, saying he planned to continue working on a book and other projects.

“Whatever happens, I’m ready to face it,” Harwell told The Associated Press on Sept. 4. “I have a great faith in God and Jesus.”

Harwell’s body will lie in repose at Comerica Park on Thursday beginning at 7 a.m. and “until the last person who wishes to pay their respects” has done so, Spicer said.

“It might be an all-night vigil,” he said.

Read the rest here.