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Ernie Harwell's visit is an inspiration to all
Perhaps it is something I should be doing, after all, most editors and publishers are known for their columns and the insights, humor, and wisdom they impart to their readers. Maybe I should want to do that. Maybe I'm obligated to do that. Maybe I'm expected to do that. I've done it before and it's hard for me to write a column. It goes against my nature. Who am I to write a column anyway, and who would I presume to be by doing such? Column writing is for people like Furman Bisher, Bill Kirby, Smythe Newsome, Jason Whitlock, Celestine Sibly, Loran Smith, and the late Lewis Grizzard. Now those guys can write some columns. Occasionally the Georgia Press Association conducts a column-writing seminar and I've never even been to one so even if I have something to say, I'd probably do it wrong anyway. (I will interject here that this is the second version of this column. The first was much better. You see, I wrote the first one this morning, saved it on my computer in my officeafter several hours of work, and then proceeded to transfer what I had done last night from my laptop. I punched through the steps clicking here and clicking there and watched happily as all my files copied over to my desktop. Then I realized that I had stupidly overwritten version one and all that remained were the first two paragraphs you see above. I felt like my legs had been cut off and it has taken until now, late at night, to regain enough composure to attempt version two.) My friend Mark Waters (that's not what I call him) developed a set of rules of conduct during his time in the Navy at the Pentagon. Rule No. 1 advises that you should use every possible opportunity to keep your mouth shut. I have found that serves me well and I am generally a pretty quiet guy except within my inner circle. In this newspaper, I am perfectly content to report on events, publicize worthy endeavors, and occasionally dispense pats or kicks where they are needed. I seldom put a byline on anything I write. (Of course, it's understood that the editor writes the institutional editorials and I am happy to bear that responsibility.) With that bit of explanation (and I may expound further at a later date) of why there has not been a regular column of mine within these pages, I now will explain that this one is born not of desire, or obligation, or expectation. This is a column I am privileged to write. It has come to be because I have just been through one of the most wonderful experiences I can remember and met perhaps the most incredible man I have ever met. Legendary Detroit Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell spent less than 24 hours here last week and those of us who met him, and perhaps the whole town by association, will never be the same. You see, Ernie (He won't mind my calling him Ernie) is the most famous man in Michigan, not because of his 60 years in baseball or his success in broadcasting, but because he is the most genuine, humble, Christian, loving, spiritual, and classy man anywhere. I can only cite some examples to illustrate. Ernie traveled here with his friend/ agent/lawyer Gary Spicer and the three of us had breakfast at The Home Café on Friday morning. The conversation was delightful as we waited on our food. When it came, Ernie said the most beautiful blessing I have ever heard. It defiesdescription here but was so simply powerful that I literally felt God's presence come over us. Maybe that sounds a little corny but it's the truth. As we toured around and made a few stops in town, Ernie took time to be gracious and interested in everyone he met. He has a way of making the people he meets feel important rather than the other way around. And he put everyone at immediate ease. A very young radio reporter made his way to Ernie for an interview and to get a taped 30-second sound byte. Obviously nervous, the young reporter had technical trouble with his cassette recorder and did not get a clean recording of what Ernie said. Ernie said he would be happy to try again. He did and then they had to try yet again. And again. It was the fourth time that the recording worked out okay and the reporter apologized for the trouble. "That's all right," Ernie said, "it's happened to me too." I heard Ernie say that in Micah, The Bible says that we are to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." He said he would like to be remembered as having made an attempt at that. He will be remembered for so much more than that. Christians are supposed to live their lives as Jesus would live. Ernie Harwell comes as close to that as anyone I know. I had the opportunity to talk to Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith who said, "Ernie is a great human being and I love him." He didn't say he was a great announcer or a great baseball personality. Just a great human being. Besides all that, Ernie just turned 90 last month and you should have seen him bounding up the steps to take the podium. There was more spring in his step than mine and I wasn't born until he was already a legendary announcer. He was immediately everyone's friend, again, not because of his fame or celebrity, but because he just makes you feel that way. Atlanta Braves announcer Pete Van Wieren said, "The saying goes, 'You can't go home again' - that is, unless you're Ernie Harwell and your home is Washington, Georgia." We're proud to claim Ernie Harwell as one of our own and we hope he liked it here enough to claim us too. I had talked to Gary Spicer only a couple of times on the phone before they arrived in Georgia and I kidded him about not knowing what to expect from a "Yankee lawyer." He was quick to point out that he was born in a small town in Tennessee very much like Washington. I was quick to findout that he is as delightful as the man he represents. He called me from the Greensboro exit on I-20 and I thought I would help him through the turns in Greensboro and Union Point. We talked until they pulled in to the hotel more than half an hour later. The pleasure was all mine as I got to know Mr. Spicer. He was as easy to talk to as Ernie and seemed to take a liking to the obvious historical significanceof Washington. He especially liked the stained-glass window at the Mary Willis Library I think we'll see him again. I certainly hope so. Spicer managed their brief stay in Washington with precision and always with Ernie's interest in the forefront - never his own. Ernie is lucky to have had such a friend for more than 30 years. And now, after 304 (actual count) emails, 424 phone calls, 12 meetings, and 4,392 hours (feels like it) of work, I must thank those who made this happen. A fantastic team of individuals worked creatively and tirelessly for the past few months to put on a program honoring Ernie Harwell, a man only two of them had ever met. At the urging of Loran Smith, the team was assembled and went to work planning and executing "Ernie Harwell Day in Washington" as one of the best events ever. Andy Anderson, Peggy Anderson, Ashley Barnett, Bob Haughey, Jim Roberts, Debbie Wells, and Skeet Willingham were all selflessin their dedication to this event and it is because of their hard work that it was the success that it was. Additional volunteers deserving of more space than is available here were Bradley Barber, Deb Talley, Laura Sleighter, and Kyle Bearse. A special extra thank you goes to Mary, my wife and best friend, who put up with those 4,392 hours and saved my "initials" many times. Beyond that, the whole team was always mindful that the purpose was to honor Ernie and welcome him to his hometown during his trip to Georgia. Because of their efforts, significant proceeds from the event will pay for multiple scholarships for a local broadcast journalism student.
Thank you so much everybody - we'll do it again - but not too soon.
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