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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
246 comments Add your comment
dp
August 12th, 2011
11:39 pm
Ernie Johnson was Braves baseball to me when I started following the game and the team as a 7 year old in ‘76. I used to write Ernie a letter after every season and he would respond with a handwritten postcard every time and follow it up with an envelope of pocket schedules for the next season. What a true gentleman.
P-Man
August 12th, 2011
11:40 pm
One of my favorite broadcasters of all time. You will be missed Ernie. Make sure everyone in heaven knows when “the ducks are on the pond”.
benchwarmer
August 12th, 2011
11:42 pm
I enjoyed Ernie through all the years. Many a night he helped me make it through some really awful Braves games back when they were floundering. His talents were real and his good guy approach was too. He will be missed.
Rob
August 12th, 2011
11:42 pm
I grew up watching the Bravos and Ernie along with The Professor and Skip. He was always my favorite. Thanks for the memories!
Bud
August 12th, 2011
11:48 pm
My earliest memories of listening to Braves games was hearing Ernie and Milo Hamilton calling the games. Ernie was great to listen to and I learned a lot about the game from him. That other guy, well I’m glad he went somewhere else, even if he is in the HOF.
JTH
August 12th, 2011
11:49 pm
Sad day in Braves Country. We will miss you Ernie.
falcon
August 12th, 2011
11:50 pm
Ernie, I didn’t know you…..but I felt like I did. A very genuine person who loved and respected the game of baseball. A truly nice guy. RIP friend.
Bill
August 12th, 2011
11:53 pm
Ernie and Milo were part of my family when Braves were Americas’ team. RIP my brother and I to will join you before long.. God’s Blessing to family.
Lee
August 12th, 2011
11:53 pm
Like many others, I grew up listening to Mr.Johnson on my little radio,listening through the static to hear Mr.Braves Baseball gives us the play by play. Here to a great career and a great gentleman,who was first class.
Bluestreak
August 12th, 2011
11:55 pm
I believe it speaks volumes about the man that on this blog (where even legends are often railed) no one has anything but glowing words and wonderful memories of listening to Ernie, Sr as part of their lives. What an excellent announcer and a wonderful man, a rare breed in both categories. Heaven is better for his presence right now. His humility and graciousness shown through the words he used to reach each of us.
May God bless you Johnson family and his close friends with the peace you need to get through your loss. Just know that we are beside you in mourning for your father and grandfather and will treasure him in our memories as well.
Cobb Dawg
August 12th, 2011
11:56 pm
Skip and Ernie together again.
Hit A Single
August 12th, 2011
11:58 pm
Growing up there were two things I watched and still watch and listen to. Those are the Andy Griffith show and when Don Knotts died I felt like I lost a family member and the other is the Atlanta Braves and I feel tonight as if I lost a family member. It didn’t matter if Mr. Ernie was in my living room on TV or the radio he was like family. You felt like you actually knew him. Some people called him a homer, well I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Just a great broadcaster and always loved it when he came back in and filled in some after his retirement. Just a class act and I will keep his family and his good friend and teammate Pete Van Wieren in my thoughts and prayers. I know it is a tough time for Pete. Losing Skip and now Mr. Ernie has to ge tough on him. They were so good together. God bless Mr. Ernie and thank you for everything!
RadioGaGa
August 13th, 2011
12:02 am
Those who called Ernie “the voice of their childhood” expressed it perfectly. I grew up listening to Ernie and Milo bring the Braves into my life in faraway Tennessee. What a wonderful, friendly, inviting tone he brought to your home every night. Win or lose, Ernie made each game entertaining. I appreciated how the Braves kept bringing Ernie back to do games when one of their many announcers had to be away. My sincere sympathies to the Johnson family, especially Ernie Jr., who has gone through so much himself and was busy at work on the last day of his faher’s life. True professionals, father and son.
Godspeed, Ernie. On this winning night, the Braves lost a giant.
kenhotlanta
August 13th, 2011
12:11 am
God Bless you, Ernie. You, Skip and Pete, along with Joe and Don, were the very best no matter if the Braves were winning or losing. The broadcasts were always entertaining and usually very funny at some point, especially during the years the Braves were a bad team. Thanks for all those years of great memories.
Hoosier Aaron
August 13th, 2011
12:12 am
Ernie was the best! I grew up in southern Indiana a Braves fan because of Hank Aaron. But, Ernie made me a Braves fan for LIFE. Listening to games on the radio – Ernie painted a perfect picture to me. I knew what Fulton County Stadium looked and felt like before I made it to my first game in Atlanta. So many great memories of Braves baseball because of Ernie.
The best announcers in baseball
August 13th, 2011
12:17 am
You will be missed Ernie. Count me among the legions of fans who grew up with you and loved to hear you, Skip, and Pete entertain us. You have been sorely missed since your retirement and the Braves are just not the same without you three in the booth.
My condolences to the family, may you all find peace of mind at this time.
Rest in peace, old friend.
Pope UGA XXIII
August 13th, 2011
12:23 am
Had the pleasure of knowing Ernie for many years and you can
put a picture of him in the dictionary under the word “class”. That
sums it all up.
rc35
August 13th, 2011
12:27 am
Although I never had the honor of meeting Ernie, he was a big part of my introduction to Braves baseball after I moved to the ATL back in 1968. From Dr. Wilhelm and his Dancing Medicine Ball to “So long, everybody,” through the doldrums of the 80’s, and to the great run of titles, he meant a lot to me.
In this day of prima donna athletes, I remember his wry comment on those who held out for bigger contracts. He said, “I never held out…I held on!”
Thanks for everything, Ernie.
bigcalidawg
August 13th, 2011
12:28 am
Yeah man, I went to school the next day completely exhausted, watchin the Braves play those west coast games all night.
Ernie, Pete, and Skip were practically surrogate parents for me…..RIP sir…………
Huck
August 13th, 2011
12:30 am
So sad.Thanks for the memories,you made the Braves fun to listen to when they stunk.R I P. God Bless
ExBraves Fan
August 13th, 2011
12:45 am
Rest in peace Mr. Johnson. I remember you well from 1966 and afterwards. You, Tony Cloninger, Pat Jarvis, Cecil Upshaw, Buzz Capra, Denny Lemaster, Ron Reed and Phil Niekro. You guys were great. Ernie was a nice pitcher. Did not throw hard, but got outs. He was a really good man and will be missed. I have in fact missed him in the booth all these years now since his retirement. I grew up watching him pitch and later on TBS. He could be funny also. Him and Skip were a great pair.
Jack Arogeti
August 13th, 2011
12:46 am
Such a gracious and kind man. At a Braves Spring Training game my then 8 year old son, Scott, went up to him asking him to please autograph his baseball. Ernie handed my son his unfinished hot dog, took the sharpie and ball from the 8 year old, signed it, took back his unfinished hot dog from Scott, smiled, and went back to enjoying his hot dog. I have that 1992 picture somewhere but its always in my memory. What a great role model and class gentleman !!!
Tomahawk Holmes
August 13th, 2011
12:46 am
Ernie, Skip, and Pete… say those three names together and it makes me smile every time. HOUR after hour of my childhood spent listening to those guys. RIP Ernie – always a Brave.
curtis jones
August 13th, 2011
12:46 am
Well, we’re just zippin’ right along, aren’t we Ernie? It was always a pleasure listening to this great man, who (unknowingly) helped raise my kids to become Braves fans. Much credit to this kind and gentle man, who endured Milo Hamilton’s insufferable ego, and so many years of God-awful teams.
He sure loved those great teams of the 90s, and was the perfect partner for Pete and Skip.
His voice will live forever in Braves Country.
mike sueiras
August 13th, 2011
12:52 am
he didnt like it but he was the voice of the Braves.kindhearted.turned me on to baseball he was my greatest memories growing up in ATL.we will miss that sweet voice RIP Ernie
AFan
August 13th, 2011
12:55 am
I’m a late to life baseball fan, but had the pleasure of spending time with Ernie Johnson, Sr. and his family. I knew him as a man and not as a member of the Braves. He was such a kind, gentle, and loving soul. I am lucky to have been in his presence and aspire to be thought of in the same light at the end of my life.
Kind thoughts to all that love him and his family.
Mark's for the Braves
August 13th, 2011
12:58 am
What a jewel of a man Ernie was. Ernie Johnson’s voice WAS Braves baseball. I listened to him on the radio many a night even on the late west coast games in LA back in the 70s and 80. He always made you feel like you were there at the game. He reminded me of my grandfather with his calm, cheerful demeanor.
I’ll never forget the autographed photo and letter he sent me when I was a kid in the 70s after I’d written him a letter telling him I wanted to be a broadcaster myself someday. To get a reply, much less a letter with an autographed photo in it was quite a thrill for a kid.
Rest in peace, EJ. Hope to see you in Heaven someday.
Braint
August 13th, 2011
1:00 am
Another piece of my childhood gone….
Glen Serra
August 13th, 2011
1:19 am
As someone who regarded Ernie as his favorite announcer while growing up, words can’t describe the joy and honor I felt in being able to work with him when I became a PR man for the Braves. However, my most cherished memory of Ernie occurred away from the ballpark. My dad passed unexpectedly in 2000. When my family was leaving the church after Pop’s funeral, I was startled and touched to see Ernie standing by himself in the back row, paying his respects to a fellow Marine he had never met. That was Ernie for you. Thoughts and prayers to Lois, EJ Jr., and the entire Johnson family.
Anthony
August 13th, 2011
1:27 am
Folks, this is what it’s all about. Reading all the comments from everyone hopefully makes us all think about how short our lives are. The important things such as respect, kindness, and the relationships you build with those around you are what really matters. Sure, Ernie Sr. was a great baseball man but I say he was a far better person to those who knew him. Treating people the right way, taking care of your family, and not looking down on a person, is what it’s all about. That’s the way we do it down here in Braves Country. Anyone else agree??
Lemon Lips
August 13th, 2011
1:30 am
Yes, I heard the news today, oh Boy. RIP, Sir. YOU are Simply the BEST. Unless I miss my guess, Ernie Johnson is, “Just Zipping Along” in Heaven, right now. You taught me Baseball and good sportsmanship, you tucked me in every summer when my old radio was supposed to be off, and when I met you once, you were SO gracious with your time. A local sports writer once opined that, if one sat with EJ at the bar, after a couple of beers he would be inclined to grab you by your jacket and debate the designated hitter. He was a Gentleman, he was in my home almost every night and he was One of Us. What more can a man ask??
Kevin
August 13th, 2011
1:46 am
For the Facts Milo Hamiltion called Hank homer 714 in cincy n 715 on radio….for all who not remember i do…..By Ernie u were Mr Brave best of the best u will be Miss and should be in copperstown in The Hall of fame….Just had wish been done while u were alive….But my dad who there now can hear u again call games…..Bless u wife kids u son and all bye a true hero
SportsRadio PD
August 13th, 2011
1:52 am
My best friend and I spent years driving around Columbus Ga. listening to the Braves and talking about what the team needed to do to win more. With Ernie Johnson calling those games there was always an air of hope and positive anticipation that this team was on the verge of breaking through. Ernie Johnson will always be my favorite Brave.
So on this not so winning night in Atlanta (and all over the baseball world), thank-you Ernie Johnson I will forever miss your voice.
gotigers72
August 13th, 2011
2:20 am
Thinking of Ernie broadcasting games, first on radio then later television, brings back fond memories of soft summer nights in the South. Carried my radio everywhere I went in those days so that I could listen to Ernie and the others.
RIP Ernie,and thanks for the memories.
big o
August 13th, 2011
2:32 am
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Johnson Family… RIP EJ.. Im glad I had the chance to meet you. The kindness you showed my family back in the 80s will live in our hearts for ever… Truly the end of an era !!!
Joe S
August 13th, 2011
2:42 am
Sorry to hear about Ernie. I am now retired. Must have been in the 70’s when I was working days, I’d watch many of the Braves’ games in L.A. on the old super station WTBS. I miss those days, listening to the old announcers. I also miss the old uniforms, stadium and players. Even though I am still a Dodgers fan and realize the announcers are paid by the respective teams, I don’t recall the Braves announcers being “homers” like the current idiots on the WGN White Sox broadcasts. The Braves announcers had real class.
Art
August 13th, 2011
2:43 am
I grew up listening to Ernie when we moved to GA in ‘72. We loved his freindly and inviting voice. I can still hear it as I type. As Skip Carey said, He is the vioce of the Atlanta Braves.
Ewe Racer 5000
August 13th, 2011
2:54 am
I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but words can’t express how special it was to grow up in the 70’s and listen to Ernie, Skip and Pete…for my money the best broadcast team in the history of the game. As a shy kid with a vivid imagination, I would always picture myself sitting in the dugout at Candlestick, or walking the tunnel to the clubhouse at Dodger Stadium, as I drifted off to sleep while the play by play lulled me off to sleep an hour past my bedtime, often flipping through the pictures in a game program, with the transistor radio by my pillow…a toast to a life well lived and an eternal legacy!
UGA75
August 13th, 2011
3:00 am
Heaven is a little brighter tonight, as the earth has lost some of its glow
There’s a new Announcer above the stars, A man all were proud to know
He will still be humble, soft spoken and kind, the way he has always been.
And we will all remember Ernie Johnson, for he was a man among men.
RIP Ernie, GOD bless your family our prayers are with them.
AL H.
August 13th, 2011
3:04 am
I am 45 years old. Ernie introduced me to baseball, I never quit listening. I cant remember if it was him or Skip that said ,, save some for tomorow boys, , …whoever said there is no crying in baseball , well, I thinnk we all shed a tear tonight
Coach
August 13th, 2011
3:21 am
R.I.P., sir.
Eddie Cook
August 13th, 2011
3:42 am
Ernie Johnson Sr. was simplest the BEST Braves broadcaster. He’s the one I listened to when I was growing up. I always felt like he was a friend. A gentleman along the lines of another Ernie – Harwell.
For many years Ernie was one of the primary reasons I was a Braves fan.
It is truly a shame he was never inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
He was THE BEST!
Jabbo
August 13th, 2011
3:45 am
When you listened to Ernie Johnson broadcast, you always, always knew you were listening to a good person with a kind heart. That colored everything he said.
daniel gill
August 13th, 2011
3:47 am
ERNIE RIP GOD BLESS YOU WILL B MISSED SEMPER FI
Jabbo
August 13th, 2011
3:59 am
“all the particulars”
He used that expression.
lanier
August 13th, 2011
4:07 am
Ernie came back from retirement right when the Braves got good and helped us all enjoy that wonderful 91 season. Right down Peachtree Ernie
Salty
August 13th, 2011
4:28 am
How many nights I recall Ernie, Skip, and Pete calling games…the Braves getting beat yet again, and Ernie and Skip would start into their stories. It was such joy simply listening to them get thoroughly tickled with their stories they’d practically forget there was a game going on. For my grandmother, that was as big a reason she’d watch the games as anything…the stories. Another ‘Story-Teller’ in heaven. R.I.P., Mr. Johnson
Dirty Dawg
August 13th, 2011
4:39 am
We all loved Ernie and we should have cause he was the best. Sorry to introduce a negative thought on this, but for those that were singing Milo Hamilton’s praises earlier this week, just know that he, Milo is not listed in my, or any other’s that ‘knew’ him, list of truly nice people. The man was so determined to elbow his way into Hank Aaron’s drive to 715 he insisted that rather than their (Hamilton and Ernie) regular, alternating, calling play-by-play of an inning during a game, any time it looked as if Aaron might come to the plate, he (Hamilton) would ‘call’ that inning.
DCSTAN
August 13th, 2011
5:21 am
I lived in the ATL during the 80’s, didn’t know him personally but he came across as a kind man, that was a great trio of announcers they had, they really complimented each other.
Those Were the Days
August 13th, 2011
5:46 am
Wow. The end of another era. RIP kind Sir.
Couch Tater
August 13th, 2011
5:54 am
Ernie got a $100 signing bonus when he agreed to play for the Boston Braves. The Atlanta fans got a signing bonus of Ernie Johnson when the Braves agreed to play in Atlanta. RIP
Jim
August 13th, 2011
6:23 am
I remember the summers of 1966, listening to Ernie, Milo, and Larry Munson announcing the Braves Games. Ernie was always the voice that seem to reflect what the baseball game was all about- Great Stories, Great Relationships, Lots of Laughter & Winning
GA Steve
August 13th, 2011
6:23 am
Enter your comments here
GA Steve
August 13th, 2011
6:24 am
Ernie, RIP. One of the best announcers ever in baseball. Always kept you in the game. When EJ was there, better listening on the radio and watching it on TV.
World Be Free
August 13th, 2011
6:25 am
A class act, a time when class is hard to come by
Traffic Headache
August 13th, 2011
6:31 am
I always knew I was listening to a baseball game when I heard Ernie. It was a rite of summer. His low-key approach fused with his love of the game and the Braves organization was a contrast to the ego and bluster of Milo Hamilton, who insisted on being the guy to call Aaron’s 715th grand tour. Ernie perfectly complimented Pete Van Wieren’s understated knowledge and smoothness and his down-humor meshed nicely with Skip Caray’s effervescent cheekiness. If there’s a baseball game in Heaven, God is listening to Ernie call it now.
Traffic Headache
August 13th, 2011
6:33 am
Typo: That should be “down-home humor.”
Dwayne
August 13th, 2011
6:56 am
Sad news, whats worse is that Don Sutton is still calling games….
Larry
August 13th, 2011
7:14 am
Heaven is no longer missing an angel…
Steve From Dalton
August 13th, 2011
7:23 am
paving the way for the Braves move to Atlanta, Ernie set up the largest radio network in sports. It is a shame he is not in the baseball hall of fame. I can’t believe John Miller made it in before Ernie, Pete or Skip.
Bama Fan#2
August 13th, 2011
7:29 am
We were lucky to have Ernie and Skip for so many years. Right down peachtree
was my favorite line by Ernie. GO BRAVES
TheAntiMe
August 13th, 2011
7:36 am
This is so tough. I will always remember Ernie Johnson very fondly listening to him on the radio as a kid way back when they still blacked-out home games in baseball. From Spring Training through to the end of the season, the Braves weren’t very good back in those days but Ernie made it a treat to listen to the games as he was the ultimate pro who never had a bad word to say about anyone.
The only comfort is in knowing that Ernie is continuing his journey in a much better place than this. Thank you, sir, for all of the hours of enjoyment that you brought to me and many others. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ernie Johnson’s family and all of the many people who loved him.
Norman Burnes
August 13th, 2011
7:38 am
A great man who will be greatly missed!
CRMAC300
August 13th, 2011
7:50 am
Braves fan for over 50 years, kind of grew up with Ernie and Skip. Sad to think both of them are gone. Tears in my Manhattan! Thank you, Ernie.
N. Cheek
August 13th, 2011
7:51 am
I spent many great hours with my Dad, making lifetime memories, listening to his voice. From family who were fortunate enough to know him, I have always heard what a wonderful man he truly was in person. Ernie Sr. rest in peace and my heartfelt condolences to the Johnson family.
BravesAC
August 13th, 2011
7:51 am
Rest in peace, Ernie. What a class guy! When people age, sometimes they become a kind of comic cariacture of their former self – like Boomer from ESPN. But Ernie always remained a respected intelligent kind man who happened to be a great entertainer as well. What a team guy. Loved the guy, always will.
Ernie you will always be remembered, always missed. Thanks for all the great memories you brought us.
SuperB
August 13th, 2011
7:56 am
I became Braves’ fan in 1969 when I came down to school at Georgia. and like millions, I tuned into the games every night int he summer on the SuperStation with Ernie– then Skip and Pete. thnaks for the memories guys. Ernie, RIP.
Tami
August 13th, 2011
8:00 am
I heard Joe and Chip announce this last night during the game and just after I shut off my computer for the night. So, I’m only now able to voice my sadness at the Professor’s passing. An extraordinary individual. A total class act. As good a day as the Braves had yesterday, it was also the saddest. There will never be another one like the Professor.
Notso Fast
August 13th, 2011
8:07 am
Mr. EJ was a average player, and really to me had just average skills as an announcer but he loved the game, he loved his team, and he loved the fans. I found that his passion led me to look at him not as just a team announcer but as a friend in the booth and Mr EJ will always be one of my favorites.
dave
August 13th, 2011
8:09 am
Pete may have been “The Professor,” but Ernie was the Dean of the College. I too remember listening to him and the others on the radio,and watching and listening on TV. They don’t make them like him anymore; we’ve lost another one of the good guys. It’s been over 20 years since I heard him last, but hearing of his passing still makes the tears well up. Rest in Peace, Ernie; you are missed already. His family will be in my prayers.
Blaze
August 13th, 2011
8:10 am
Class act all the way…..He was so uplifting and positive through those losing seasons of the 80s. Nobody could have done it quite the same with the charisma and poise he showed. It was obvious that he checked his ego at the door; thus a good lesson for all of us. God bless to the family and rest in peace!
curt moore
August 13th, 2011
8:12 am
I’ve listened to Braves games since 1966, Ernie was my favorite. It was like sitting and talking to your favorite uncle. There is another person who was part of the original broadcasting team-Larry Munson.
Milo’s ego was a little too large for Larry for which the Dawg nation is mighty thankful.
ed
August 13th, 2011
8:14 am
When my Dad air was in his final days, I mentioned it to Ernie. On air that afternoon Ernie said
“word has reached us from Decatur that Ed J is a bit under the weather. We wish you the best, Ed, and
hope you are on the mend real soon.”
He had never met my Dad, but Ernie’s compassion really raised his spirits; Dad talked about Ernie wishing him well until he died,
Phil G, Florence, SC
August 13th, 2011
8:15 am
What a way to wake up this morning; to find out the Braves won on Bobby Cox Night, then hearing of Ernie Johnson, Sr.’s passing. Braves fans here in South Carolina who used to hear the Braves radio network on a station in Kingstree didn’t know he was that sick. I started rooting for the Braves when Milwaukee was still their home and I saw Hank Aaron beat the Reds on TV as a little boy. Then they came south, then almost moved, then Ted Turner bought the club and put ‘em on a superstation (TBS) and through it all, Ernie remained the same. He belongs in the broadcasters wing of the hall of fame alongside Milo Hamilton (Skip & Pete too), and Milo belongs in the Braves Hall of Fame with all three of those guys, Ernie, Pete and Skip. He can be proud of his family, especially Ernie Jr. The south will miss him; America will miss him; baseball will miss him. Another one of my heroes is gone.
Mid Town Joe
August 13th, 2011
8:18 am
I met the Ernie Sr and Ernie Jr at the induction ceremony of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame two years ago, for Ernie Sr. His acceptance speech had was unbelievable, and Jr got to introduce him. It was a very special night and I am grateful to have been there.
81Dawg
August 13th, 2011
8:23 am
I loved listening to Ernie and the gang. Prayers gong up for Ernie Jr. and the rest of the family.
Bulldawg Rick
August 13th, 2011
8:25 am
Having known Ernie Jr & his family for a few years when Jr’s young daughter was in pre school with my son in early 90’s, I got to know Ernie Sr as he would come to the school in Norcross. What a loving, caring family.. Led by Ernie Sr.. Class man.. Great family.. GodSpeed to the Johnson family…
"Cause it's a BRAND NEW GAME!"
August 13th, 2011
8:27 am
As a kid, I knew Ernie was going to be on the air soon when the theme song for the WSB radio Braves coverage would start. Anyone remember that song? It was a catchy song featuring someone playing a banjo: “…..We’re so glad that we came, ’cause it’s a BRAND NEW GAME!”
"Cause it's a BRAND NEW GAME!"
August 13th, 2011
8:27 am
As a kid, I knew Ernie was going to be on the air soon when the theme song for the WSB radio Braves coverage would start. Anyone remember that song? It was a catchy song featuring someone playing a banjo: “…..We’re so glad that we came, ’cause it’s a BRAND NEW GAME!”
Legendary Braves broadcaster Johnson dies – updated | Raw Sports - Atlanta Braves
August 13th, 2011
8:28 am
[...] Atlanta Braves [...]
D man
August 13th, 2011
8:33 am
I didn’t know he was a pitcher. Ernie was a great guy and I am glad I had a chance to know part of him. What a wonderful life he had. A role model for us all.
Ben
August 13th, 2011
8:35 am
What a sad loss. When listening to Ernie, it was just like sitting with a good friend and watching the game. God bless his family.
I got gout
August 13th, 2011
8:42 am
Reading up on his life, Ernie Johnson was the BRAVES.
The man is pure Braves history.
I only began to pay attention to Atlanta baseball because of the 91 team. I remember Ernie on radio and TV just a little bit. What I do remember is how all the other announcers (including our great smarty pants Skip Carey) would show such loving deference to Ernie. It made me realize that all though I had not followed him or the team until ‘91,the people who worked with Ernie ,his peers, adored him.
We have lost a great BRAVE!
I say if we cant retire his # with the Braves(Milwalkee) then we retire a picture of him or a picture of a radio mike with his name in the ball park. Skip&Pete too.
The Braves NEED to honor our true fathers. The Atlanta Braves have just as much history to be proud of as many ‘northern’ franchises.
Lets honor Ernie with an inside the park baseball on the facade or outfield. These announcers make the Game just as important as the players to the fans.
God bless Ernie Johnson and his family.
1eyedJack
August 13th, 2011
8:47 am
Fell in love with baseball listening to Ernie and Milo on the transistor radio back in the day when only 8 or 10 games were televised each year. And as we go to the bottom of the ninth it’s time to go get ‘em Braves. Godspeed Ern.
bigD
August 13th, 2011
8:50 am
I can still hear his chuckle when skip would make him laugh. It was like no other. comfortable.
Judy
August 13th, 2011
8:52 am
Ditto to everything above. RIP Ernie
John Long
August 13th, 2011
8:52 am
Love, thoughts and prayers to the Johnson Family from the membership of The Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.
Foot
August 13th, 2011
8:53 am
Atlanta Braves baseball wouldn’t have been the same without the voices of Ernie, Pete and Skip. Those 3 guys where always there and their love of the Braves, and it’s fans was more than just a paycheck but was part of their soul. May God bless the family during this time of sorrow and Atlanta has lost another great voice and icon of the game. No doubt that Skip and Ernie are in the booth once again, calling the play by play as their hero’s of the past are playing the game.
oldfart
August 13th, 2011
8:53 am
It was obvious from his every action and word that I think he would have done it for free and “for love of the game”. Here’s an appreciation from a kid who will forever remember being singled out to catch a freshly netted ball way back when. His appreciation for the game infused mine more than any other influence and came through loud and clear on an AM transistor under my pillow most of the time. Thank goodness they were on WSB back then, it was the only station that came through under the pillow.
Bob the Blogger
August 13th, 2011
8:54 am
I have the same memories as many of you – listening to Ernie and Milo calling the Braves games through the ear plug on my transister radio when I was suppose to be asleep. They made me a Braves fan for life.
SCBravesFan
August 13th, 2011
8:55 am
Like a lot of us here, I’m squarely in the middle of the back nine of my life. More in the rear view mirror than in front of me. And it saddens me profoundly when another part of my youth passes on. Many a night I fell asleep listening to Ernie on the old transistor AM radio.
If the Braves were behind going to the 9th, it was “we got to go get’um Braves!”
If the Braves were ahead going to the 9th, it was “we gotta hold’um Braves!”
And on those rare occasions when the Braves won back in those days, it was “and on this winning night in Atlanta…”
Good bye Ernie…say hello to Skip for all of us!
THE MAJOR
August 13th, 2011
8:57 am
A real class act and a good man. I remember meeting Ernie when I was a teenager. He traveled the state in the off season selling the radio packages. He came to my hometown and I met him in a restaurant. He was the nicest man and signed an autograph for me. We have lost a great man.
Mike C.
August 13th, 2011
8:58 am
Ernie and Milo Hamilton – back in the day…………
Kendell Jones
August 13th, 2011
9:07 am
My prayers for the Johnson family., There has not be a more class act calling a ballgame than Ernie. He will not only be missed by family, but all of the Braves orginization, and the fans as well. He was one a of a kind and was loved by all.
Bubba Bolinski
August 13th, 2011
9:09 am
I remember Earnie and Dizzy Dean cutting up in the booth during a game Phil Neikro pitched a 1 hitter. Dizzy said he had tried to learn the knuckel ball and the batter his the ball so hard it went between his legs and the centerfielder caught it! Those were the greats, the voices that made us baseball fans. I had a small AM radio on my desk at home and used to listen while I did homework. He will be missed.
Hit A Single
August 13th, 2011
9:13 am
Ernie Johnson broadcast games from the heart and oh my goodness he had a big HEART! Really a sad day. I think it is only fitting that it came on a day we honored another great Atlanta hero, Bobby Cox. Bobby and Ernie were so much alike. They loved and will always love Atlanta and the Braves organization. They helped make the Atlanta Braves the class organization it is. Thanks Ernie for all the memories!
JJ Braves Fan
August 13th, 2011
9:20 am
Ernie… you, then Skip & Pete, made Braves Baseball so exciting on mine & my brothers radios at night, even when Bobby Horner & Chris Chambliss may not have had great nites. Your voice brought the game alive. I know you & Skip will be back at it in Heaven, and I wish you well. In the words of Little Big League, “the world just lost a really great guy”. May sportscasters everywhere aspire to your positive nature, your humility (hey, the Braves werent easy to call in the 70s & 80s!), and most of all, to your dedication.
Ted
August 13th, 2011
9:25 am
I remember when the Braves came to Atlanta. Granny and Grandaddy always had the radio on WSB listening to every game. Then grandaddy took me to a game……I didn’t like it because I couldn’t hear Ernie and Milo. It was always much more exciting hearing Ernie.
Eric Dye
August 13th, 2011
9:31 am
My first Braves game as a child was listening to Ernie Johnson on radio in early 70’s as an Atlanta native. I went on to listen to all 162 games a year for nearly a decade – I felt I knew Ernie Johnson personally. He left such an impact on me for the love of radio broadcasting. Thank you for who you are and were. My love goes out to you and your family as well as my prayers. I am saddened of Ernie’s passing. God speed. Eric (Brazil)
Mike in VA
August 13th, 2011
9:39 am
Ernie was always a class act. However bad those Braves teams were in the 80’s, it was always a joy to listen to Ernie, Skip, and Pete. They always seemed to have such a great time working the game and being with each other. Our hearts go out to the Johnson family on such a sad day, to all Braves fans, and to Pete for the loss of another great friend.