'Mr. Baseball' Bob Uecker dies at 90; local, state leaders react
MILWAUKEE - 'Mr. Baseball' Bob Uecker, beloved broadcaster for his hometown Milwaukee Brewers, has died. He was 90. Uecker was born on Jan. 26, 1934 in Milwaukee.
Reaction from around the state
What they're saying:
Reaction to the news of Bob Uecker's passing is pouring in from around Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers
"Today, we take on 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 profound 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 all of us 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 is no surprise that his passing now leaves us at a loss for our own words.
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"There is no describing the impact Ueck had on so many, and no words for how much he was loved. We are left with a giant void in our hearts, but also remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives throughout the years."
Commissioner Emeritus of Major League Baseball and former Brewers Owner, Allan H. "Bud" Selig
"I am heartbroken with the loss of my dear lifelong friend, Bob Uecker. I can’t begin to describe how much he meant to me, let alone what this loss is for Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin and countless others worldwide.
"Bob had the easiest way of making others feel at ease, share a laugh and always left people feeling a little better. Nobody was his equal.
"I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship was a constant presence throughout most of my life. For over fifty years, rarely did a day pass where we missed a conversation, a sharing of stories, and countless laughs. That cannot be replaced and is a giant loss, but I am lucky to have experienced that kind of enduring friendship.
"Sue and I are thinking of Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr., and all of Bob’s family during what is a difficult time for all of us."
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 08: Bob Uecker and Keston Hiura #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers on the field for the first pitch prior to the game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves at American Family Field on October 08,
Statement from the Uecker family
"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Bob. To many, he was an announcer 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 met with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter.
"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 noteworthy, it is 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 grieve and celebrate the man we were so lucky to call ours."
The Milwaukee Brewers will announce details at a later date for a public celebration of Bob Uecker’s life and unparalleled impact.
Brewers announcer Bob Uecker passes away at 90; team "heartbroken"
The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Thursday, Jan. 16 that Brewers icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Uecker has passed away at the age of 90.
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Governor Tony Evers
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of Wisconsin’s own, Mr. Baseball himself, the great Bob Uecker. For more than 50 years, Bob brought the magic of the ballpark to life for so many, and I am sure I speak for Brewers fans everywhere when I say we gladly would have had him for 50 more.
"He wasn’t just a comedian and a great announcer—Bob was a man of character and integrity. Throughout his career, he made countless contributions to the history and culture of Major League Baseball, and he was active in giving back to our communities and our state. Boy, we’re going to miss him.
"He was beloved, not just in Wisconsin but across the country. He was a giant, and I—like so many other lifelong Brewers fans—will miss hearing his enthusiasm and love for the game and our Brewers on the airwaves. It’s a sad day. Kathy and I are thinking of his family, friends, the Brew Crew, and all those who knew and loved Ueck. He will always be remembered."
Bob Uecker (L) play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers radio team, is shown at work during the Red Sox-Brewers game at Fenway Park.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
"The city is enormously saddened with news of Bob Uecker’s passing.
"Bob was Milwaukee baseball. His laugh-out-loud self-deprecation brought enjoyment for fans of baseball, TV sitcoms, movies, and national talk shows.
"Bob was a product of Milwaukee Public Schools, a standout at what was then Boy’s Tech High School. He grew up playing in local leagues before signing with his hometown Braves.
"While never an all-star, Bob was a world champ with the Cardinals in 1964. After baseball he landed a job with the Brewers. He often joked about his short scouting tenure, but that led to the broadcast booth where Bob was, for decades, the voice of baseball in Milwaukee.
"Bob could find humor is almost anything – his playing career, his friendships, and even his near-deadly spider bite. His game broadcasts were always entertaining – even when the Brewers were losing badly.
"Bob Uecker loved baseball, the Brewers, and Milwaukee, and it’s hard to imagine the coming season without him."
The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.