HARWELL When his hometown of Washington honors Ernie Harwell next month, attendees will be treated to an afternoon of baseball fun and excitement based on Harwell's lifetime of achievement. Beginning with a book signing and autograph session, the event will also feature an auction of baseball and sports memorabilia, celebrity comments, and a response by Harwell himself.

University of Georgia sports personality/ broadcaster/author Loran Smith will emcee the event adding to the celebrity. Smith has been the spearhead of the planning committee and is responsible for the organization of the event since its inception. He brings with him many friends and connections that promise to add to the prestige of the event.

Funds raised for "Ernie Harwell Day in Washington" will provide ongoing scholarships for students pursuing careers in his chosen profession, broadcast journalism.

The auction will feature primarily baseball items including autographed baseballs, photographs, an authentic Detroit Tigers jersey autographed by Curtis Granderson, hats, and other memorabilia donated by the Atlanta Braves and the Detroit Tigers. Smith will also procure personalized autographed photos from Bobby Cox, Jeff Francoeur, Tommy Lasorda, Skip Carey, Makay McBride, Mark Richt, and others for successful bidders. Granderson is only the third player in MLB history to hit 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs, and steal 20 bases in a single season.

A number of sports celebrities are expected to attend and already confirmedto be a part of the program are Furman Bisher and Pete Van Wiren. Attendees will be treated to a menu of hotdogs, popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jack in keeping with the baseball theme.

Proceeds from the event will be used to endow at least one scholarship for a local broadcast journalism major and to establish the annual "Ernie Harwell MVP Award" for a Washington-Wilkes Tiger baseball player.

Sales of tables to corporate sponsors have already begun and all available seats are expected to go quickly. Various levels of participation are available with incentives including autographed books and special photographs. Anyone interested in purchasing a "table" is encouraged to call Ashley Barnett at 706-678-2013, Jim Roberts at 706-678-2448, or Sparky Newsome at 706-678-2636. Single tickets are available for $35 each, couples are $60.00. Checks should be made out to Washington-Wilkes Charities, Inc. and may be mailed to P.O. Box 340, Washington, GA 30673.

Harwell was born in Washington in 1918 and began his sports announcing career with the Atlanta Crackers in 1943. He is the only announcer in baseball history to be traded for a player when he was hired by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948. He is most famous for having been the "voice" of the Detroit Tigers for almost 42 years, beginning in 1960 and ending with his retirement in 2002.

Many of Harwell's calls are legendary and his broadcasts also include two All-Star games and two World Series, nationally for NBC Radio, as well as the 1984 World Series for the Tigers and WJR in Detroit.

In addition, Harwell has written a number of songs and eight books about his years in baseball. A devout Christian, he is also involved with the Baseball Chapel.

The Washington event to honor Harwell will be held beginning at midday at The Pope Center on Friday, February 15, the day before his induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Atlanta.