Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell dies at 92

Longtime Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell, beloved by generations of fans who grew up listening to his rich voice, Southern cadence and quirky phrases on the radio, died yesterday after a months-long battle with cancer. He was 92.

"All of Major League Baseball is in mourning tonight upon learning of the loss of a giant of our game, Ernie Harwell," baseball commissioner Bud Selig said last night.

The Hall of Fame announcer, who called Tigers games for 4-plus decades, announced in September that he had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the bile duct.

"Whatever happens, I'm ready to face it," Harwell told the Associated Press on Sept. 4, 2009. "I have a great faith in God and Jesus."

Shortly after Harwell's announcement, the Tigers honored him during the third inning of a game against Kansas City, showing a video tribute and giving him a chance to address the crowd at Comerica Park.

"In my almost 92 years on this Earth, the good Lord has blessed me with a great journey," Harwell said at a microphone behind home plate. "The blessed part of that journey is that it's going to end here in the great state of Michigan."

Harwell died at his home in Novi, about 30 miles northwest of Detroit, according to the Detroit Free Press. His wife of 68 years, Lulu, and his two sons and two daughters were at his side.

Harwell spent 42 of his 55 years in broadcasting with the Tigers. He was their play-by-play radio voice from 1960-1991 and 1993-2002.

His big break came in unorthodox fashion. Brooklyn Dodgers radio broadcaster Red Barber fell ill in 1948, and general manager Branch Rickey needed a replacement. After learning that the minor league Atlanta Crackers needed a catcher, Rickey sent catcher Cliff Dapper to Atlanta in exchange for Harwell.

Even casual fans could tick off Harwell catch phrases: "Looooong gone!" for a home run; "He stood there like the house by the side of the road and watched that one go by" for a batter taking a called third strike; and "Two for the price of one!" for a doubleplay.

* Cleveland shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (strained quadriceps) will miss the next couple of days.

* Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who experienced tightness in his side on Saturday, said he feels ready to take the mound again after throwing 10 to 15 pitches in the bullpen.

* Kansas City placed outfielder Rick Ankiel on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps.

* At Boston, Jeremy Hermida hit a bases-loaded triple to break an eighth-inning tie, and Jon Lester (2-2) pitched eight innings of five-hit ball to lead the Red Sox to a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

* At New York, A.J. Burnett (4-0) outpitched Brian Matusz (2-2) again and Joba Chamberlain closed out the Orioles for the second night in a row, finishing off the Yankees' 4-1 win over the Baltimore Oriorles.

* At Cleveland, Jose Bautista homered for the second straight game and the Toronto Blue Jays benefited from nine walks in an 8-5 win over the Indians.

* At Minneapolis, J.J. Hardy saved a run with a brilliant defensive play at shortstop in the top of the ninth, then tripled and scored on a wild pitch in the bottom half to help lead the Minnesota Twins to a 4-3 win over Detroit.

* At Oakland, Ryan Sweeney went 3-for-4 with a homer and five RBI as the A's posted a 7-6 victory over Texas. Vladimir Guerrero had a grand slam and five RBI for the Rangers.

* At Chicago, Jose Guillen hit a two-run homer and Luke Hochevar (3-1) pitched six sharp innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the White Sox, 7-2.