‘Uecker Magic’: Brewers fan behind viral sign shares the story

Brewers fan talks ?Uecker Magic? sign

Fan Frank Vitucci popularized the phrase "Uecker Magic," a phrase that lit up through broadcasts, ballparks and watch parties as the Milwaukee Brewers surged this summer.

MILWAUKEE - As the Milwaukee Brewers surged this summer, a phrase started echoing through broadcasts, ballparks and watch parties: Uecker Magic.

What we know:

Frank Vitucci says he didn’t coin it – but he was smart enough to seize the moment. Watching a Brewers-Mets game on TV in early August, he noticed a throw and tag at home plate that sealed the team’s eighth straight win.

"It was a perfect throw. It was a perfect catch and tag by [William] Contreras, and they got him by, you know, 0.1 of a second," Vitucci said.

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When a friend invited him to a game a few days later, Vitucci decided to bring a sign that read "Uecker Magic." 

He thought it captured what felt like a "magical turnaround" of a season – the team’s first in 55 years without legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker behind the microphone.

"I just feel like Uecker’s looking down on us, and if there were ever a season to have the magic, it’s this one," Vitucci said.

Soon, the sign and slogan were everywhere.

Local perspective:

"I just feel like Uecker's looking down on us, and if there were ever a season to have the magic, it's this one," Vitucci said.

Like many fans, he said Uecker’s passing earlier this year felt like losing a family member. He joined hundreds who gathered at Uecker’s statue outside American Family Field the night of his death.

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"Uecker’s voice reminds me of my childhood," Vitucci said. "It really does. No matter where I was, you hear a game, you hear his voice, and it just reminds you of home."

Big picture view:

Since then, "Uecker Magic" has become a rallying cry for Brewers fans. And Vitucci insists the magic is real – and there is still some of it left.

"I’m really 4-0 bringing the sign to a game," he said. "Yeah, yeah, book me a quick redeye."