Nationally and locally known, famed broadcaster Ernie Harwell was a key figure for the Detroit Tiger’s during 42 of his 55 seasons announcing for Major League Baseball games. Harwell was recognized for his achievements by multiple national associations, the Baseball Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame. Honored locally, Harwell received recognition from the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, Comerica Park, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
In 2013, Wayne State University announced its plans for creation of the Harwell Field facility which would be on campus and eventually become the official home of Wayne State’s baseball team. Rob Fournier, Director of Athletics at Wayne State, joined Harwell’s lifelong friend and attorney S. Gary Spicer Sr. in planning and raising funds for the memorial highlighting Harwell’s accomplishments and career with the Detroit Tiger’s.
Display Group’s designer Gary Rizzo and Vice President John Lamb were approached by Fournier and Spicer to design the interior of the Harwell Field facility in January 2017. Combining innovative design, 3D effects and interactive displays, Rizzo and Lamb’s design included monitors playing highlights of Harwell’s career, display areas including replica ticket windows and a “pin-wheel” that highlights great baseball calls by MLB broadcasters.
The processes utilized by Display Group’s designers includes dye sublimation printing, mounting SEG touchscreen TV displays, custom building 3D foam displays and interactive iPad stands. In-house dye sub printing ensures that Mr. Harwell commemorative display is highlighted with high quality, durable printing of photos, verbiage and memories. The touchscreen displays lets visitors view various high points of the famed broadcaster through pictures and videos. iPad stations placed around the foyer play several notable events throughout Harwell’s career.
The grand opening for Harwell Field occurred on April 18 and was attended by friends, family and fans of Mr. Harwell. The features Display Group produced for the event and interior perfectly captures the life and career of Harwell. Display Group is proud to partner with Wayne State University to produce “a treasure for the City of Detroit”.
