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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
246 comments Add your comment
Bag-O-Bats
August 13th, 2011
9:49 am
Ernie never called an “intentional walk” by that definition, rather he always called it “A purposeful pass”. Heaven opened It’s gate for Ernie with “A purposeful pass” this day and he will suffer no more. God Speed Ernie, we will all miss you……………………………………..
"Cause it's a BRAND NEW GAME!"
August 13th, 2011
9:52 am
I’ll always remember Ernie’s call of pitcher Rick Camp’s homerun that tied the game vs. the Mets in deep extra-innings. That game lasted until about 4:00am!
Mark
August 13th, 2011
9:53 am
Ernie, Skip and Pete were the best ever. They made watching some really bad teams really enjoyable, and that is probably part of why I am a diehard Braves fan, win or lose. They are my hometown team and I would root for them regardless, but these guys made you appreciate the players and all they did, the effort they put in, win or lose. I don’t think there was ever a broadcasting crew as knowledgeable about the game and willing and able to share that insight the way they did. One could truly enjoy the game and all of its subtleties thanks to them. They also had great rapport, and their corny jokes mirrored my own sense of humor. Many of their puns were incredibly clever, while others were just off the wall but worthy of a good laugh. They were the best ever, as far as I’m concerned, and I miss hearing them together. However, I think we still have some of the best around, and my hats off to those currently occupying the booth, as well. Having said that, I believe much of the excellence we have now is due to the tradition and atmosphere created by the Ernie, Skip and Pete. I have been privileged to watch some of the best ever to play, managed by one of the best ever and broadcast by some of the best ever. My condolences to Ernie Sr.’s family. He will be sorely missed. And, to Pete Jr., I enjoyed listening to you every bit as much as your father. And, I’m sure what’s important to you right now is that you’ve lost your father, not that a great announcer has passed, but I want you to know, for what it’s worth, that I believe he was one of the best ever, and my sympathies are with you. God bless.
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
August 13th, 2011
9:55 am
One night, Ernie was talking about how a hit ball would not carry as far while it was raining. Earl Williams then hit a ball several rows into the upper deck at Fulton County sending Milo Hamilton into a frenzy. Ernie then deadpanned “just think how far that would have gone if it hadn’t been raining” Ernie, you were the best Rest in Peace.
Ed P
August 13th, 2011
9:58 am
I remember driving up 85 N. just past the N. Druid Hills exit on a dreary late February or early March Saturday back in the late 80’s. I turned on the radio and out came Ernie’s voice announcing a Braves spring training game. Instantly my mood changed from being crabby and tired of winter to happy and anticipating spring. I’ll never forget that moment and think of it often, especially during that time of the year. That is what the sound of his voice meant to so many of us, hope, optimism, long summer days and baseball. God Bless.
Ed P
August 13th, 2011
10:02 am
I had forgotten about the ‘its a brand new game” song, now I can’t get it out of my head. Thanks for bringing back the memory, I think…
Terry Ford
August 13th, 2011
10:06 am
Ernie
Was like a having your grandfather call a game exploding all his wisdom to you. All the great ones are gone. I was not even a Braves fan but Ernie, Skip and Pete was quite a team
Freddie Freeman
August 13th, 2011
10:18 am
God bless Ernie and the Johnson family.
“On this winning night!”
EJ- all of my best, and enjoy that Manhattan. We will all see you again some day!
Rick
August 13th, 2011
10:25 am
Unlike the Carey’s, Ernie looked down on no one. A kind, respectful and intelligent person.
I never met the guy but listened to him from 1966 to 1999.
My favorite story from Ernie was when Junior Samples visited the booth. Ernie had the fishing net in the booth that he used to catch foul balls. The first thing Junior asked was..”What is that there net ‘fer”.. Ernie was entertained the say the least. They talked fishing and baseball.
The point is that Ernie never thought that he was better than anyone, and from what I gathered, enjoyed all people. I think that that says everything about someone.
phil
August 13th, 2011
10:27 am
Steve VanWieren
August 12th, 2011
10:50 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to Lois, Dawn, Maggie, Ernie Jr, Chris, and all of the grandchildren. Ernie was a class act and one of the nicest human beings I have ever met.
It was an honor to know you Ernie. May you rest in peace.
**************************
He was a prince of a man, clearly. I loved listening to him. If you see this, tell your brother I said hello. It’s me, the old next door neighbor from 20 plus years ago. Hope all of you are well.
phil
August 13th, 2011
10:37 am
Dwayne
August 13th, 2011
6:56 am
Sad news, whats worse is that Don Sutton is still calling games….
*******************
While this is crass, tasteless and uncalled for here, I am forced to admit to a brief chuckle….
Sid
August 13th, 2011
10:38 am
As I traveled the Southeast extensively in those years Ernie’s voice and call of the game always made me feel a little closer to home. Rest in Peace Mr. Johnson.
Rick Scholla
August 13th, 2011
10:46 am
I was hired by the Braves as a marketing rep back in 1987. We did a video tape that year to be sent out to the radio affiliates in an effort to sell group tickets. Ernie did the intro for us and I was nervous about my part. He told me to just relax and be myself. Afterwards he said, “you did great kid.” I will never forget his encouragement and support. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Johnson and the family.
chris
August 13th, 2011
10:51 am
Rest in peace Ernie = growing up in Atlanta during the terrible teams of the 70s and 80s you were the only thing that made watching or listening to a braves telecast worth it along with Skip and Pete. Prayers for the family, the city of Atlanta lost another giant today..God’s speed
chris
August 13th, 2011
10:53 am
Mark mentioned the August 13, 1983 telecast where Bob Watson beat the Dodgers- we had moved away years prior but were visiting that weekend and was watching that game from the hotel lobby. The call Ernie gave that night has been remembered even some 28 years later.
Bravo_fan 52
August 13th, 2011
11:03 am
I remember that E Williams rain shot,Ernie was the man,after the bravos went 13-0 I looked up as I was filling out of A.F.county stadium and Ernie was stretching up in the booth,I yelled up”Hey Ernie” As he turned I yelled ‘How bout them Braves ‘HE looked down and replied “how bout em” I will Always cherish that moment in time.
Rest in Peace Mr Johnson
james
August 13th, 2011
11:12 am
Goodbye mr.johnson one of greatest announcer in braves history goodbye mr.johnson
Ron Young
August 13th, 2011
11:13 am
Met Ernie in Bradenton, Fl. in the early 50’s when the Milwakee Braves sprind trained there. Bradenton was my home at the time. Watched him pitch, not bad! Then again in Sandy Slprings in the late 60’s and them to Cumming where I had the pleasure of playing golf with him several times. He was always a gentleman and a great friend.
Ron
Hit A Single
August 13th, 2011
11:16 am
I was very fortunate to be at the last game at Atlanta Fulton Co. Stadium. The ceremony where Mr. Ernie was the MC and the former players were recognized was unbelievable. I have never been real emotional but that really got to me and made me realize what Braves baseball meant to the whole southeast. I saw grown men and women wiping tears as I think everybody realized Braves baseball was special. It brought families together, the southeast U.S. together, and just provided great family entertainment. You know what, it still is! And Mr. Ernie was responsible for alot of it. Thanks for the memories you Hall of Famer
TypicalBlogCommenter
August 13th, 2011
11:27 am
I didn’t know Ernie but I can tell from the respect and admiration the current broadcasters have for him that he must have been a great man.
We really need to trade Prado, Uggla, and McCann if we are going to have any chance at the post-season this year. Also we need to re-sign and then trade Kawakami.
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2011
11:29 am
RIP Ernie!
We all love you and miss you
You are a Reason as to why so many Braves Fans across the World love this team!
He will be a Legend!
Dan
August 13th, 2011
11:30 am
A wonderful announcer. Apparently, an even better human being. Here’s to a life well-lived. From yet another member of the transistor radio generation who endured the Braves when they were Hank, Knucksie, then Dale, but usually little else — thanks for the memories, Ernie. Gone, but never forgotten.
"Cause it's a BRAND NEW GAME!"
August 13th, 2011
11:51 am
Remember this introduction to Ernie’s broadcast of the Braves in the early 1970s, complete w/ banjo playing? “Batter Up..lets go..pitcher’s starting to throw..we’re all so glad that we came..cause its a brand new game!”
TK
August 13th, 2011
12:03 pm
I was crying listening to the game last night – then Chip gave me the image I wanted of his dad and Ernie Sr. sitting back, adulte beverages in hand, and enjoying the game.
In my grandmother’s later years, she was quite deaf even with hearing aids. Ernie Sr. was the only broadcaster she could understand. She’d flip from TV to Radio just to have Ernie. He was a bright spot in her last years. If I didn’t already adore the man for what he meant for baseball in this town, that would have done it.
Au revoir, old friend.
IVAN ...
August 13th, 2011
12:05 pm
Still remember Ernie and his fish net in the booth ………
Great voice, more class than Milo, great compliment to Skip and Pete …….
Condolences to his family ………… IVAN.
Knock-a-Homer
August 13th, 2011
12:06 pm
A sad day for Braves’ fans. Ernie was a kind and thoughtful commentator. A tip of the cap and prayer to his family. Can’t wait to hear those baseball games called from heaven with his buddy Skip. RIP Ernie and God bless.
Braves Fan Since 1966
August 13th, 2011
12:15 pm
I never met Ernie Johnson, Sr. but listened to him hundreds of time. He was total class and came across as a 100% genuine role model for basic goodness, strength of character and love of baseball. What an impact this man must have had on his family and those close to him. I loved listening to him.
charles
August 13th, 2011
12:45 pm
Enter your comments here
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2011
12:46 pm
In the early 70’s, there was nothing more memorable about my youth than tuning in to WKAT in SoFla and getting all the Braves’ games, with Ernie Johnson and Milo Hamilton during those summers of long ago. Ernie is our generation’s Red Barber, a voice that was born for baseball on the radio.
I miss those days every day of my adult life. Ernie Johnson, rest in glorious peace.
chatt matt
August 13th, 2011
12:56 pm
RIP Ernie you were a huge part of the Braves for many years and I can still remember your voice from watching my first Braves game in the 80s.
bravemandan
August 13th, 2011
1:27 pm
I too rember hearing Ernie, Skip and Pete, beginning in the late 70’s. Class acts, all of them; but, Ernie seemed to be the most humble of the three. I miss them and the days of TBS baseball every night.
Mitchell
August 13th, 2011
1:34 pm
If anybody happens to have an old Braves video tape about the ‘93 team called “How the West Was Won!” find the part near the end where he calls a game the Braves won in mid-September against the Reds and listen to him describe their five run comeback that ended with Ron Gant hitting a line drive down the left field line that skips off the top of the wall and scores the final three runs.
It is the greatest thing ever. Absolutely my favorite Braves team and still in my opinion the best of all of them and my first full year of becoming a lifelong Braves fan, watching every game that summer.
I still remember the night McGriff hit his first home run as a Brave against the Cardinals when they came back to tie the game down 5-0 in the fifth or sixth inning and of course they eventually won it.
But even though I was there when Sid slid, my absolute all time favorite Braves moment that I reember like it was yesterday, middle of September (the 15th or 16th, can’t remember exactly which) down 6-2 against the Reds, up two and a half over the Giants, they were just terrible that night… I was totally pissed off as usual… and then Klesko hits a two run bomb to make it 6-4. Otis then doubles with one out and then Blauser hits a ball to center field that looks like it’s going to be caught but falls just short of the center fielder.
Then I think somebody makes an out, then they bring in Dibble… first pitch, Ron Gant three run home run off the wall, Ernie Johnson with the call… best moment ever.
Absolutely miraculous and amazing.
I was on the phone with a friend of mine and my brother came in the room… I wasn’t even at the game, mind you… and we went insane.
The Braves moved to three and a half up on the Giants and won the division by a single game.
Find that clip, Ernie Johnson making the call.
My favorite Braves moment. Best ever.
p.s. that being said, Jason Heyward did some stuff last year that was pretty similar, but I guess it’s all subjective.
Bill Phipps
August 13th, 2011
1:51 pm
As a guy who grew up in Atlanta, I had the pleasure of listening to Milo & Ernie, then Skip and Pete and Ernie and Don and Joe. Ernie fit with everybody and though Skip was always my favorite, Ernie was right there to blend in so well with everyone, and occasionally, get that zinger in. I hope Ernie, Jr. knows just how much his dad was loved.
kool$kat
August 13th, 2011
2:06 pm
Summer nights, late 60s, shelling peas, snapping beans, shucking corn from my Granddad’s garden – listening to Ernie and Milo and the Braves made it bearable for a young boy! Ernie was always excellent! Miss him!
BullDawgMike
August 13th, 2011
2:16 pm
I remember when I was about 11 years old, and my bedtime on school nights was 8:30pm. I would have to keep my little transistor radio hid under my pillow from my folks. No way was I going to miss listening to Milo and Ernie describing the Braves/ Dodgers game from the Left coast.
wally
August 13th, 2011
2:53 pm
Even though I never net Ernie he still was my friend. It is people associated with Baseball like him that makes the game so great. I have been a baseball fan mostof my sixty two years and it huts to see my heros passing away, Sometime I think I love what goes along with baseball better than the actual games themselves. My prayers are witn the family and I just hope that he has trusted in Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. Some of my most fond memories of baseball is with Ernie at the mic. Baseball will never be the same as we ,ose old timers like Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Lew Burdette.Gil Hodges Ernie and a whole host of others. My words of encouragement to today’s players are baseball is still a great game. I hope you youger palers will keep it that way.
Walt
August 13th, 2011
2:54 pm
I got a quarter a week for chores when I was a kid. My first purchase was a transistor radio from Sears. I wanted to hear the Braves games after I was put to bed. I will always remember the voices of Ernie Johnson and Milo Hamilton putting me to sleep. I don’t know if I made it to the 9th inning often, but I always enjoyed the broadcast. It made me a fan and EJ’s kind voice made the broadcast a pleasant experience from my childhood. Thanks!
Susan
August 13th, 2011
3:18 pm
I have a lasting image of Ernie leaning out from the broadcast booth at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium with his ever-present net trying to snag a foul ball — and then tossing the ball to a fan in the rare event when he caught one. He was the voice of the Braves, regardless of what he told Skip. And I will always be thankful for the memories. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.
Bartman
August 13th, 2011
3:40 pm
@ Phil n Shayne and others….ditto… wishing there was a “Like” button on some of these blogs. Good stuff people!
I had a LOT of very sleepy days in school back during the the late 60’s and 70;s as I had stayed up late night for every game that I could get tuned in here in Orlando on our small AM station. There were those twinight double headers on the west coast that would have me up well after 2 a.m. I just couldn’t turn it off. It was worse turning it off than it was wondering what was going on and trying to sleep. If I could find rebroadcasts of games with Ernie and/or Ernie and Skip, I’d start listening to them right now.
Anway, those were great days in my memory. Rest in peace Ernie,. You are missed…..
Orv Svien
August 13th, 2011
5:19 pm
In ‘62 Ernie came to our house and remarked that he was thinking about going out to Seattle to try out as he still wanted to pitch. After awhile I said, “Ernie, why not go to the Club house and talk to Harold and hang up your spikes and glove.” “You have a good job with Northwestern Mutual Insurance and everyone knows your name and besides Harold may have a job for you with the Braves.” And he did and got a job.
pcnot
August 13th, 2011
7:57 pm
I am 55 years old. I was 9 when the Braves came to Atlanta. Ernie Johnson was the man who helped Atlantans fall in with major league baseball. He was made to do baseball playbyplay, especially on radio. His unhurried, humble, yet enthusiastic approach to telling us about the game was custom made for the ebb and flow of a baseball game. I will always remember being at the old Fulton County stadium and looking up at the announcers booth and seeing Ernie with his long handled fishing net ready for a foul ball coming his way. When I heard that he had left us, I cried.
Bill (Marysville)
August 13th, 2011
7:59 pm
Ernie Harwell and Ernie Johnson both gone now. Such a sad day.
BravesCountry
August 13th, 2011
8:26 pm
He was so great to listen to. I named the greatest dog ever – Ernie Johnson – after him.
Marion Cheney
August 13th, 2011
9:31 pm
I first enjoyed Ernie when he and Milo Hamilton were broadcasting the Braves games during the first season they were in Atlanta. I don’t remember much about the team that year, but I do remember his net for foul balls and his positive fun style. I continued to enjoy him and his style over the years.
To his family and friends I extend my condolences.
Ken in Eastman
August 17th, 2011
2:22 pm
Gentle of voice and spirit, insightful, tasteful, positive, kind and knowledgeable; a gentleman without rancor but with faith in his fellow man – it’s totally without surprise that we will miss Ernie Johnson and be lessened by his passing. Ernie’s understated approach fit well with his broadcast partners.
I listened to Ernie and Skip and “the Professor” Pete Van Wieren so many times that I could not count them all. Those guys were a part of my childhood and helped make the love of baseball a part of my life.
So long, Ernie – and thank you.
Afan
August 17th, 2011
4:53 pm
Thanks for the “memories”. Only Don Sutton has come close to being the announcer that Milo and Ernie was.