Bob Uecker, a legendary Milwaukee Brewers baseball broadcaster and former player, has died, the organization announced Thursday. He was 90.

Uecker had officiated games for the Brewers since 1971 and appeared in the film “Major League” and the film’s two sequels.

“Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his death is a deep loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; His presence warmed everyone. “He had a way of welcoming us all into his world as if we were friends for life,” the organization said in a statement.

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“The departure of Bob shocks us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and his storytelling, so it’s no surprise that his death now leaves us at a loss for our own words.

“There is no description of the impact Ueck had on so many, and there are no words for how much he was loved. We have a huge emptiness in our hearts, but we also remember the laughter and joy he brought into our lives over the years.”

Uecker’s family said in a statement that the broadcaster had been fighting a private battle with small cell lung cancer since 2023.

“He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma and love of baseball, Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will be treasured forever,” Uecker’s family said. “While his contributions to the game are notable, it is his kindness, humility and love for family and friends that will remain dear to our hearts.”

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

Uecker was born and raised in Milwaukee and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954. He played baseball during his time at Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Belvoir. He joined the Milwaukee Braves organization in 1956 and played on the youth team until his draft in 1962.

In his rookie season, he played in 33 games and posted a .250 batting average with two doubles and a home run. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves before his professional baseball career ended in 1967.

He was part of the Cardinals’ winning team that won the World Series in 1964 and received a ring.

Uecker was a broadcaster in Atlanta before doing broadcasts for the Brewers. He called games for 54 seasons before his death. He also served as an anchor for ABC and NBC during the World Series and League Championship games. He called the Brewers’ 1982 World Series loss to the Cardinals a local stop in Milwaukee.

Health problems eventually forced him to limit his games in 2014. According to MLB.com, he signed his first contract with the Brewers organization in 2021 to provide health insurance. He received health benefits under the Screen Actors Guild until the organization stopped providing health insurance in 2020. Before that, he worked under a series of handshake agreements.

“It’s amazing how you take everything for granted,” he told MLB.com about his return to the Brewers’ spring training facility in 2021. “Being down there on the field and shooting the bull. If you can’t do it, it’s bad. You’re really losing this.

Uecker’s popularity skyrocketed over the course of his broadcasting career. He made dozens of appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. In 1984, he hosted “Saturday Night Live.”

He became “Mr. Baseball,” won the Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year award five times and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.

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He also appeared for WWE at WrestleMania III and WrestleMania IV. In one section, Andre the Giant choked Uecker.

Uecker had four children with his first wife. Two are still alive.

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