Senator Richardville offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 136.

            A resolution recognizing April 9, 2010, as Ernie Harwell Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Ernie Harwell, born and raised in Georgia, spent 55 years broadcasting Major League Baseball, beginning his baseball career with the Atlanta Crackers in 1943 and moving to the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948; and

            Whereas, Ernie Harwell found his way to Michigan in 1960, starting a 42-year run as the voice of the Detroit Tigers; and

            Whereas, He perfectly embodied the working-class values of his adoptive home, missing only two broadcasts in his legendary career; and

            Whereas, Ernie Harwell received more awards and honors than can possibly be listed, including induction into nine halls of fame, topped by winning the Ford C. Frick Award in 1981, and enshrinement in the broadcasters’ wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York; and

            Whereas, Generations of Michigan residents and Tigers fans have grown up listening to Ernie Harwell and often reminisce about his unique broadcasting style that includes a sweet Southern drawl, the annual visit from the Voice of the Turtle, and familiar phrases such as "Right down Woodward," "He stood there like a house on the side of the road," and "That one is looooooong gone"; and

            Whereas, April 9, 2010, will be the Detroit Tigers’ home opener of the 2010 baseball season; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body do hereby declare April 9, 2010, as Ernie Harwell Day in Michigan. We urge all Michigan residents and Detroit Tigers fans alike to celebrate the Detroit Tigers’ 2010 home opener as Ernie Harwell Day; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Ernie Harwell and the Detroit Tigers as a token of our highest esteem.