Christian messiah as your lord and
savior." Ernie wondered if the
advertisement offended me.
I told him it didn't because I
believed you go to your heavenly
reward based on your own merits
— we call it mitzvahs — and not
because you accept a certain some-
one as your Lord or as the Son of
God..
Our conversation changed nei-
ther Ernie's religious views nor
mine, but at least we were able to
have such a conversation.
In the late 1980s, Jim Campbell,
chairman and chief executive offi-
cer of the Tigers, shocked many of
us in the front office by bringing in
a marketing director, a position the
club never had and one I would
now be reporting to.
Campbell, without sharing his
decision with the head of his busi-
ness department, brought in Jeff
Odenwald, who worked in several
other baseball front offices. The
new president of the Tigers, the
charismatic Bo Schembechler, was
also brought in by Campbell, who
wanted to retire but still keep a foot
in the door.
It didn't take long for the new
marketing director and president to
inform Ernie Harwell that his serv-
ices would no longer be welcome or
needed after the 1991 season. Ernie
called a press conference for Dec.
19,1990, to answer questions about
his new one-year contract for 1991
and to tell the truth (without men-
tioning names) that retirement was
being forced upon him.
The press called it a firing. Bo
called it generous because he gave
Harwell an extra year to say good-
bye around the league. Bo, though,
thought Ernie.would tell all at the
press confererice that he was retir-
ing — without saying it was forced.
Handling the situation with class
and dignity, Harwell gained more
fans and respect.
So, Ernie, from your thousands of
fans and friends in the Jewish com-
munity, continued health and hap-
piness, and extra innings. II

THE JEWISH ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE

Join Us Sunday, January - 29, 2006
And Discover A High School Where...

Every student is valued.

Students are
encouraged
to attend!

Academic potential and excellence are achieved.

1:45 PM Registration
2:00 PM Presentation
3:00 PM Tour of School

Students are finding MORE at the Jewish Academy.

Marion and David Handelman Hall
D. Dan and Betty Kahn Building
Jewish Community Center
Eugene and Marcia Applebaum Campus

.

ISH
ADEMY

e lopolitan Detroit

LEARNING ADERSHIP I COMMITMENT

6600 West Maple Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Phone: (248) 592-5263
www.jamd.org

tst-ATIONAL ti55OCOMON
Of 11401 -66NOINT JiCitfX1LI

1065530

You're reading
-a winning publication!

Our edit & creative team garnered 10 awards
this past year from the Michigan Press
Association for the editorial. portion of the 3N.

Special Section: St

Irwin Cohen of Oak Park published the

Jewish growth is encouraged.

PLATINUM1

national Baseball Bulletin from 1975 to
1980 and was a front office associate of

Our homemade is really made from scratch!

iennis

RESTAURANT

Quality casual dining
•for the entire family

1186 Maple Rd. • Walled Lake

the Detroit Tigers for nine years, earning

248-669-8240

a World Series ring in 1984. He has

• Mon-Sat 7-9
• Sun 8-3

authored several books on Detroit's

Jewish community.

feature Story: 1 st
Dewish Uganda]

Ma • le Rd.
0

• Children's menu
• Carryout

Monday-Saturday
Lunch Specials

1 whole sandwich & soup or french fries

$3.95'

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

2 choices daily!

Everyday
Fabulous Dinner Specials

$5.95-$8.95

dinners

include soup or salad and bread

1066170

4111

Janaury 26 • 2006

45