Dear Ernie:

As tributes to you mount in the wake of the announcement of your illness, here at Michigan & Trumbull, LLC, we are very concerned, but proud to add our voices to the roar of the crowd.  You know that our focus long has been on saving as much as possible of the history to be found at The Corner.  At this time, we wish to go on record as saying that you, Ernie, are one of the single most valuable parts of that history. 

With all the tributes that have been paid and will be paid to Tiger Stadium, the old girl experienced no greater honor than the day Ernie Harwell stepped up to the plate and tried hard to win the game for history.  That the umpires on hand that day made some lousy calls in no way diminishes the significance of your support, or its long-term effect on how Tiger Stadium will be remembered.

Take care of yourself.  We hope that, as it was for another southern boy, Missourian Mark Twain, the reports of your death will prove to be much exaggerated, and that, like Twain, your active contribution – to baseball and to humanity – will go on for many years and serve as an inspiration to all who follow in your footsteps.

Sincerely,

Peter Comstock Riley
Michigan & Trumbull, LLC.