Blue Cross Honors Ernie Harwell

DETROIT (WWJ) - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan honored late, great Detroit Tigers' broadcaster Ernie Harwell in a ceremony at it's downtown headquarters.

As employees celebrated National Walk at Lunch Day, they unveiled a mural of Harwell and dedicated a walking track in his honor.

What would Ernie have thought of the ceremony?

Longtime friend and attorney, Gary Spicer, offered his thoughts.

"His humility would always come forward. But he certainly would appreciate the efforts of everyone... Friendship and loyalty were very important to him, and you see it everywhere in this building. And I think that kind of comes to mind when you think of him," Spicer said.

Spicer and Harwell's widow, 91-year old Lulu, both attended Friday's ceremony.

President and CEO of Blue Cross, Blue Shield Dan Loepp said it is a fitting tribute.

"He was a really, really significant influelce... really, all across the state telling people how to live well, how to exercises.  Ernie was a gem of a spokesperson for Blue Cross," Loepp said.

Meantime, a play about Harwell's life and legacy is running in at the City Theatre in Detroit, a block from the home of the Tigers.  (Get play info at this link).