Boy, what to talk about?  

Some days, I struggle to translate my on-air thoughts onto the blog, but today I have the opposite problem:  There's so much on my mind!

First, congratulations Kalamazoo Central and our community for gaining the attention of the president with what is referred to as the "educational focus" of our community.  Obviously, it's getting noticed!  Now, they'll hash out the details - and figure out when and where would be best for this history-making visit.

I've said it before right here on the blog - and on the air - that it's always amazing to me how Kalamazoo manages to get noticed nationally for the great things that go on here.

Second on my mind is Ernie Harwell.  You know, it's hard to feel sad about Ernie. He lived a pure life and set an example we all should follow.  He received all sorts of recognition, love and adoration for his contributions - and it was well deserved. And his voice on the radio made us feel so good.

I had the great fortune of spending a few minutes talking to him at a Tigers affiliates gathering several years ago at Comerica Park. Those were the days when Ernie was calling games for a few innings, then taking a few innings off. We were told he'd stop by the suite and say hello to the radio people who'd gathered to enjoy the game, food and beverages.

I figured he'd drop by, shake hands, say hello - then be on his way to rest, eat, gather his thoughts - whatever he did in that 3-inning rest period. Not at all. He entered, then greeted and shook hands with every single person there - one at a time - asking them where they were from and then relating some sort of connection he had to that place.  He made everyone he talked to that day feel important.

When I said I was from WKZO, he immediately recounted stories of friendships he'd made with Kalamazoo folks while the station and the Tigers were both owned by John Fetzer.  It clearly evoked pleasant memories for Ernie.

Many of the retrospectives of Ernie Harwell show him as a man who "did his best," (his own words), but also characterize him as someone who didn't accomplish everything he should have in his life.  He suggested in some interviews he might be someone in whom God might have been disappointed. 

You certainly didn't disappoint any of your fans, Ernie.  We'll miss you.