Hawk Harrelson never portrayed anyone except a Chicago White Sox fan in the broadcast booth talking to his fellow fans through the television. On Sunday, the White Sox celebrated Ken "Hawk" Harrelson as he is set to retire as the team's TV play-by-play voice. His last series will come when the Chicago Cubs visit Guaranteed Rate Field September 21-23.

Harrelson honored for 'Hawk Day' as he is set to retire

The ceremony, which lasted around 30 minutes was filled with spoken and physical memories. Harrelson was in the presence of former White Sox greats, his broadcasting partners, and longtime team personnel to his right.

Also by his side was his family, which included his two children, future daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, and his wife Aris to his left. And of course, nearly 31,000 fans surrounded him ahead of a game where the White Sox were preparing to take on the Boston Red Sox, who they eventually beat 8-0.

Before Harrelson spoke, he was presented with a piece of artwork which depicted himself as a player and also as a broadcaster. The artwork presentation was followed up by a video that included other MLB broadcasters, that Harrelson has inspired, giving their kind words.

"Thank you. Thanks for showing that there's a different way of doing this," Eric Nagel, Texas Rangers' radio play-by-play voice said of Hawk.

Harrelson never shied away from his character or personality while broadcasting his over 6000 baseball games over his lengthy career.

Harrelson knows how to tell a story

Harrelson was going to try to tell the fans, friends, and family how much he loved the organization by jotting some things down, but soon realized all of the things he loved over the years were already inscribed in his heart and at the ballpark.

"The hell with it," Harrelson said. "It is going to be right in front of you."

For 15 minutes, Hawk went on to have a heart to heart talk with everyone tuning in. In it, he recognized team owner Jerry Reinsdorf, some White Sox team lifers, his career in golf, and White Sox fans.

"When you take a man's money you take a man's money, but when you take a man's time you take a part of his life," Harrelson said, battling tears.

"I want to thank you all for giving me almost 35 years of your time.

Broadcast after broadcast, Harrelson would tell stories ranging from the best pitcher he ever faced, clubhouse experiences, differences in his era of baseball and it was worthy of listening to.

Hawk always knew how to tell a story, and on "Hawk Day" he didn't do anything different.
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