In 1991, the new owners of the Detroit Tigers fired their 73-year-old play-by-play announcer, Ernie Harwell. The voice of the Tigers for three decades, Harwell was surprised and disappointed. He loved his job and, based on every indicator, his listeners loved him. Along with the broadcasting legends of Scully, Brickhouse, Buck, and Caray, Harwell stood tall. But the real measure of his greatness was seen in the wake of his firing. Rather than bad-mouthing the instigators of this unexpected action, Harwell practiced what he preached. As a born-again Christian, the veteran announcer chose to accept the circumstances as God's will for his life and forgive those who had forced him out.

"God blessed me by putting me here for 31 years," Harwell told the Detroit fans on the final day of the 1991 season. "I had the greatest job in the world, a job I loved to do. But most of all, I appreciate you fans. I appreciate your loyalty, your support, and your love that you've shown me…especially the love."

When asked later about his reaction to his dismissal, Harwell said, "I refused to allow myself to be bitter. According to Romans 8:28, God causes the circumstances of our lives to work together for good. I had an assurance that he was in control and that I could trust him."

For the next season, Harwell joined the broadcast team of the California Angels in Anaheim. He did well, but he missed the players and fans of Detroit. They missed him too. In fact, the fans would not let up in their demands that Harwell be returned to the Motor City. In 1993, yet another new owner hired Harwell back. He has continued to be the voice of the Tigers until this fall, when he will hang up his earphones and mike for the final time as he retires from the broadcast booth at age 84.

"Even though I love baseball," the legendary sportscaster admits, "I love my Lord Jesus Christ much more."