Bob Uecker, known as ‘Mr. Baseball’s and Milwaukee Brewers’ legendary voice dies at age 90

CNN
—

Bob Uecker, the legendary voice of the Milwaukee Brewers who was nicknamed “Mr. Baseball,” has died at age 90, the team announced Thursday.

The brewers said he died Thursday morning at his home.

According to his family, Uecker had been battling lung cancer since 2023.

“Today we take on the heaviest burdens. Today we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker,” the Brewers said in a statement. “Ueck was the light of the brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter of our hearts, and his passing is a deep loss.

“He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming us all into his world as if we were lifelong friends.

“Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and storytelling, so it’s no surprise that his passing now leaves us with loss for our own words.

“There are no words to describe the impact Ueck had on so many and how much he was loved. We are left with a huge void in our hearts, but also remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives over the years.”

A career .200 hitter, Uecker had a six-year stint in the majors, primarily as a backup catcher, Uecker quickly turned his attention to pitching, where he made a much bigger impact.

He joined the Brewers’ radio staff in 1971 and did the job for 54 consecutive seasons, the fourth-longest stretch with one team in MLB history. The 2024 season was his 69th year in baseball.

“To many he was an orator and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more,” the Uecker family said in a statement. “Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he faced with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present and he let never his spirit falter.

“He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma and love of baseball, Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished. While his contributions to the game are remarkable, so are his kindness, humility and love to family and friends we will hold closest to our hearts.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time as we mourn and celebrate the man we were lucky enough to call ours.”

Uecker’s ever-present presence earned him accolades during his career, including the 2003 Ford C. Frick Award, given annually to a television station for “major contributions to baseball.” That honor cemented him in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

He also has two statues at the Brewers’ American Family Field, one outside the facility and one inside the “Uecker Seats,” which commemorate Uecker’s participation in a popular series of Miller Lite commercials in which he uttered the now-famous line: “I’m going to be in the front row!”

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred honored Uecker on Thursday.

“While this former backup catcher was known for his self-deprecating style, Bob Uecker was one of the game’s most beloved figures throughout his 70-year career in baseball,” Manfred said in a statement.

“Bob was the real deal: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an excellent ambassador for our national pastime. We are grateful for this baseball life like no other, and we will never forget him.”

Uecker also became famous for his work outside of baseball, most notably for his role in the “Major League” film trilogy and starring in the ABC sitcom “Mr. Belvedere.” He also hosted “Saturday Night Live” and WWE’s WrestleMania, as well as authored two books.

“I am devastated by the loss of my dear lifelong friend, Bob Uecker. I cannot begin to describe how much he meant to me, let alone what this loss means to Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin and countless others around the world,” Allan H “Bud” Selig, commissioner and former Brewers owner, said.

“Bob had the easiest way to make others feel good, share a laugh and always made people feel a little better. No one was his equal.

“I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship was a constant presence throughout most of my life. In over fifty years, rarely a day went by where we missed a conversation, a sharing of stories, and countless laughs. It cannot is being replaced and is a huge loss, but I am lucky to have experienced that kind of lasting friendship.

“Sue and I are thinking of Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr. and all of Bob’s family at this difficult time for all of us.”

The Brewers said details of their memorial for Uecker’s life will be announced at a later date.