Ernie Harwell's wife hospitalized - July 29, 2008

Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Ernie Harwell's wife hospitalized
The Detroit News

Sports radio icon Ernie Harwell skipped a Detroit City Council meeting Tuesday to be with his wife, who was hospitalized with chest pains, said attorney S. Gary Spicer.

Harwell, the legendary voice of the Detroit Tigers, is heading a group that wants to save a portion of Tiger Stadium, which is in the process of being razed. The council later Tuesday is to consider the issue before it goes on summer recess.

Council members Barbara-Rose Collins, Martha Reeves and JoAnn Watson met with Harwell on Monday and the meeting was productive, Spicer said.

But Harwell said being at the side of his wife, Lulu, is a priority. They have been married for 67 years, Spicer said.

"They have a wonderful relationship," Spicer said. "She just turned 89 years old two weeks ago."

Lulu Harwell complained of chest pains and was taken by ambulance to an area hospital about 8 a.m., Spicer said. He would not say which hospital she was taken to. She will remain overnight as tests are conducted, he said.

The Harwells met in 1940 and married a year later. Harwell made no secret of his adoration of his wife, speaking lovingly on broadcasts about "Miss Lulu." His collection of memorabilia at the Detroit Public Library is housed in the "Lulu and Ernie Harwell Room."

A member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Harwell was the voice of the Detroit Tigers for 42 years before signing off in 2002.

That same year, Lulu Harwell was taken to Henry Ford Hospital after complaining of an accelerated heartbeat during a Tigers game on Ernie Harwell Day. Her husband left Comerica Park and canceled a press conference planned after the game about his honor.

Broadcasting his final game, a Tigers loss, Harwell spoke to Lulu a few times between innings. She reassured him and settled his nerves, according to press reports at the time.

She was at home recovering from pacemaker that was implanted that year.

awesome! A true love story!

I have not heard how Lulu Harwell is doing. Anything reported in the Detroit area?