Brewers announcer Bob Uecker dies at 90; keep “broken”

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers announced Thursday, January 16 that Brewers icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Uecker has passed away at the age of 90.

Regards to Bob Uecker

What they say:

Reaction to Bob Uecker’s passing will come from around Wisconsin, the nation and the world. Mr. Baseball touched many, many lives.

Milwaukee Brewers

“Today we shoulder the heaviest of burdens. Today we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker.

“Ueck was the light of the brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in 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 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.

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“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.”

Commissioner Emeritus of Major League Baseball and former Brewers owner, Allan H. “Bud” Selig

“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.

“Bob had the easiest way to make others feel good, share a laugh and always make 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.”

Statement from the Uecker family

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn Bob’s passing. To many he was an orator and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more.

“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 waver his spirit.

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

The Milwaukee Brewers will announce details at a later date for a public celebration of Bob Uecker’s life and unique impact.

Bob Uecker touched our hearts

The backstory:

Affectionately known as ‘Mr. Baseball’, professional player, broadcaster, actor and comedian Bob Uecker was born on January 26, 1934 in Milwaukee.

Uecker grew up playing baseball and watching the minor league Milwaukee Brewers play at Borchert Field.

“Actually was a pitcher when I was playing in the sandlots in Milwaukee. I actually got a tryout from the Braves,” Uecker said. “They had a guy down there. A pitching coach. He stands next to me and I pitch for about 15 or 20 minutes. And finally he said, ‘now let me see your good fastball.’ This is a true story. And I said, I’ve thrown my good fastball. And then he said, ‘Well, I recommend you get a job.’ I asked him if he remembered me. He said no.

As a catcher, Uecker signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959. He reached the majors with the organization in 1962.

Uecker also played for St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves during his six-year career. Known as a defensive catcher, he finished with a career batting average of just 200. It was after his playing days that he became a national figure.

In 1970, Uecker was booked on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. With his self-deprecating humor, he made over 100 appearances. Carson is the one who gave him the nickname, Mr. Baseball.

“I was trying to keep, oh maybe one, two home runs a year. Maybe three or four runs coming in. Because when you get up to that category next year, they’re going to expect the same thing from you or even more,” Uecker said.

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In 1971, Uecker came home. He began calling games for the Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcast – something he did until his death.

“I went right from playing baseball upstairs to working with Merle Harmon and Tom Collins,” Uecker said.

Later in the 1970s, Uecker began calling games on television with Monday Night Baseball on ABC. He was also seen in several Miller Light All-Star commercials, which led to other acting gigs.

“Like I said. I love being on the road with these guys,” Uecker said.

In early 1985, Uecker starred in the ABC sitcom, Mr. Belvedere. The show ran for six seasons.

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In 1987 and 1988, Uecker appeared as a guest ring announcer for Wrestle Mania III and IV – something that led to his induction into the WWE Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Uecker also made the leap to the Big Screen. He played Harry Doyle, a speaker in the Major League movies.

Uecker was also part of the network’s broadcast of World Series games in 1981, 1995 and 1997. But even with his nationwide appeal and success in Hollywood, Uecker returned to Milwaukee to call season after season for the Brewers.

“I enjoy making people laugh. Whether it’s at my expense, I don’t worry about that kind of thing. I love my job. I make other people feel good,” Uecker said. “When you sit down and tell stories about something like that from years ago, I think you’re going to laugh. You really do.”

In 2003, Uecker received the Ford C. Frick Award – given annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for major contributions to baseball. In typical Uecker style, he brought out the laughs during his introductory speech.

In 2010, Uecker had a few health problems. In April he had heart surgery – and returned to the stand in July. Then in October, Uecker had to have another surgery to repair a tear at the sight of his valve replacement due to a staph infection. Over the past several seasons, Uecker has scaled back his broadcast schedule and cut back on many of the road trips.

“I realized that’s the time you have to start thinking about something else to do. You know, maybe I’ll call slow pitch softball games in the Village at Manor Park, I don’t know,” Uecker said.

There are plenty of Uecker tributes around Milwaukee’s ballpark. The Brewers placed a number 50 in their Ring of Honor. His name is also on the Braves Wall of Honor. There is a Uecker statue outside. In 2014, the team put one of him up behind home plate in the upper level, a tribute to his Miller Light commercial.

“When I first heard about this project, I turned it down. I was under the impression they wanted me to work up there,” Uecker said.

Bob Uecker will be remembered as the voice of summer and baseball.

“Sooner or later everybody has to go. You know, I don’t know when my dirt bath is going to come. But sooner or later you got a lawnmower on top of you,” Uecker said. “I don’t care what it is. It just happens. That’s the way it is. There’s nothing you can do about it. And I’m going to try to hang on until I can’t do it anymore.”

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