Bob Uecker, radio voice of the Milwaukee Brewers and “Mr. “Baseball,” died

Unfortunately, the Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcasts will never sound the same.

Bob Uecker, the team’s voice on radio for 54 years, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and a local, state and national icon, died Thursday, the Brewers announced.

He was 90 years old.

“Today we take on the heaviest burdens. “Today we say goodbye to our beloved friend Bob Uecker,” the team said in a statement. “Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his death is a profound loss.” He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. His presence warmed any room and he had a way of welcoming us all into his world. “We are devastated by the departure of Bob. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He entertained us with his words and his storytelling, so it’s no surprise that we miss his own words. We cannot describe 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 has been privately battling small cell lung cancer since early 2023, his family released in a statement.

“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 forever cherished,” the 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. “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.”

The Milwaukee native and Boys Tech High School graduate signed his first professional contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956 and made his major league debut for them in 1962.

As a catcher, Uecker played in 297 games in his six-year career and also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves before retiring after the 1967 season at the age of 33.

Uecker finished the game as a .200 hitter, but could claim to have beaten three future Hall of Fame pitchers in Sandy Koufax, Ferguson Jenkins and Gaylord Perry. His crowning achievement as a player was winning a World Series ring in 1964 with the Cardinals.

After a brief stint as a scout, Uecker began his broadcasting career in 1969 with a two-year run in the booth with the Braves before returning home and beginning his legendary run with the Brewers in 1971. Uecker also moderated national games on several channels from the 1970s to the 1990s.

“Stand up! Stand up! Get out of here! Away!” became Uecker’s trademark when a Milwaukee player hit a home run.

Decades later, Uecker was honored by the organization in a variety of ways, from being inducted into the Walk of Fame in front of what was then Miller Park in 2003 to being inducted into the Walk of Fame in front of what was then Miller Park; for induction into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2005; that a statue bearing his likeness was dedicated in his honor both outside the ballpark (2012) and inside the stadium (2014).

He was also named to the team’s inaugural Wall of Honor class in 2014.

“I am heartbroken over the loss of my dear lifelong friend Bob Uecker. “I can’t describe how much it meant to me, let alone what this loss means to Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin and countless others around the world,” said Bud Selig, commissioner emeritus of Major League Baseball and former owner of the Brewers One Statement: “Bob had the easiest way to make others feel comfortable, make them laugh, and no one was his equal. “I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship was present throughout most of my life.” For over fifty years Rarely has a day gone by when we missed a conversation, an exchange of stories and countless laughs. This cannot be replaced and is a great loss, but I am fortunate to have experienced such an enduring friendship with Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr. and all of Bob’s family during a difficult time for us all.”

In 2021, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared September 25 “Bob Uecker Day” as Uecker completed his 50th year of broadcasting. When Uecker was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Brewers’ game against the New York Mets, he, as usual, took the cover off a pitching machine that did the honors.

His 54 years at the microphone made Uecker the fourth longest-serving broadcaster in Major League history, behind only Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrin of the Los Angeles Dodgers (ages 67 and 64, respectively) and the still-active Denny Matthews of the Kansas City Royals (age 56). Years).

Along the way, Uecker was repeatedly praised for his skills as a broadcaster and his longevity.

At the top of that list was his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 after winning the Ford C. Frick Award, given annually to a broadcaster for significant contributions to the game. Uecker is also a member of the Radio Hall of Fame (2001), the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame (2011) and the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame (2012).

While Uecker’s original claim to fame was calling Brewers games, he also became nationally known as an entertainer beginning in 1969, with a long string of appearances on “The Tonight Show,” where he teamed up with his “Mr. “Baseball” personality and his wry sense of humor earned him national recognition.

Uecker’s prominence reached new levels in the 1980s, both through his appearances in the famous Miller Lite commercials and his on-screen appearances on the ABC sitcom “Mr. Belvedere,” a guest appearance on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” Announcer for several WWF WrestleMania events and then in the movie “Major League,” in which he played, one has to imagine, a radio play-by-play man, Harry Doyle.

Uecker also wrote a humorous autobiography in 1982, appropriately titled Catcher in the Wry.

Several health problems later in Uecker’s life forced him to limit his broadcasting program. He underwent multiple heart surgeries and survived pancreatic cancer, as well as a brown recluse spider bite, melanoma and COVID-19.

Uecker also endured the heartache of losing not just one, but two of his adult children, Steve (2012) and Leeann (2022).

Throughout this time, Uecker was a renowned philanthropist, devoting time and money to a number of local and national charities, including the MACC Fund, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the ALS Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Big Brothers /Big Sisters and Wounded Warriors.

Cancer research and organizations fighting heart disease and cystic fibrosis also benefited from Uecker’s efforts.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Bob,” the Uecker family said in a statement shared by the Brewers. “To many he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more. “Bob has had 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 ever present and never let his spirit falter. “Through his wit, charisma and love for baseball, Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin, he brought joy to countless listeners and created a legacy that will be remembered forever.” While his contributions to the game are notable, his kindness is , humility and love for family and friends who are dear to us. “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.”

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