OAN Staff James Myers
3:30pm – Thursday, January 16, 2025
Bob Uecker, known as “Mr. Baseball, the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for 54 years, and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, died Thursday at the age of 90.
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“Weck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, and the source of laughter in our hearts. His passing is a deep loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and will be remembered dearly. “Bob loved people. His presence warmed every room and welcomed us all into his world as if we were lifelong friends.” said in a statement.
During his six-year major league career, Uecker played catcher for three MLB teams, including his hometown team with the then-Milwaukee Braves and the 1964 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. This included short-term stays.
But Bucher was better known for his unique voice and lines in the booth than for hitting home runs. He batted .200 in 297 major league games and once led the league in passed balls.
“And I didn't even play in every game,” he said proudly.
Uecker talked about signing with the Atlanta Braves in 1956 with a $3,000 bonus.
“My father didn't have that kind of fabric at the time, so he was in trouble,” Uecker said. “But he scraped it together in the end.”
The icon rose to fame after his friend, trumpeter Al Hart, recommended late-night TV host Johnny Carson as a possible guest. Uecker soon became a frequent guest on Carson's popular show, and it was Carson who nicknamed Uecker “Mr. Baseball.”
Uecker appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” more than 100 times.” It supported all kinds of doors in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
“Anyone with the ability can play in the big leagues,” he said. “But I think it was a much greater feat to be able to fool people every year like I did.”
Although perhaps best known for his role as play-by-play commentator Harry Doyle in the movie Major League, Uecker initially rose to fame appearing in television commercials for Miller Lite, which featured mostly former big league players.
Uecker's family said in a statement that the broadcaster had been privately battling small cell lung cancer since 2023.
“Through his wit, charisma and love for baseball, Milwaukee and the entire state of Wisconsin, Uecker brought joy to countless listeners and left a legacy that will be cherished forever,” Uecker's family said in a statement. Ta. “His contributions to the game are noteworthy, but what we value most is his kindness, humility and love for his family and friends.”
Uecker played baseball and basketball at Milwaukee Technical High School, switching from pitcher to catcher.
“My first game, my parents and everyone were there, my friends were there, and the coach came out and took me out of the game,” Uecker recalled. “I didn't want to come out because it was embarrassing. I said, 'Let me play this guy again, because the first time I played him I struck him out.' The manager said, “I know, but it's the same inning.'' I have to get you out of here. ”That was my move towards catching. ”
He played in 33 games during his rookie season, hitting .250 with two doubles and one home run. He also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves until his professional baseball career ended in 1967.
Before joining Brewers broadcasts, Uecker was a broadcast anchor in Atlanta. He was called to games for 54 seasons until his death. He also served as a broadcast caster for ABC and NBC During the World Series and League Championship games, he called a local Milwaukee station to watch the 1982 World Series, in which the Brewers lost to the Cardinals.
However, health problems forced him to reduce the number of matches in 2014. He also famously signed his first contract with the Brewers in 2021 in order to have health insurance. MLB.com. Uecker received health benefits from the Screen Actors Guild until the organization discontinued his health insurance in 2020. Prior to the previous series of contracts, they worked under a series of handshake agreements.
“It's amazing how much we take everything for granted,” he told MLB.com about returning to the Brewers' spring training facility in 2021. So, if you can't do that, then it's no good. You really lose it. ”
Uecker's popularity soared throughout his broadcasting career. He was named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year five times and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.
Mr. Uecker is survived by his son, Bob Jr., and his daughter, Sue Ann. He was predeceased by a son, Steve, and a daughter, Leanne.
“It was amazing,” Uecker said at the 50th anniversary celebration of his baseball career at Brewers Stadium in 2005. “In 50 years, when I'm 100 years old, I want to do it again. Wherever you are, dig me up.” Bring me back here. Go around the warning wire a few times and take me to the hole where you picked me up. ”
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