Bob Uecker to be immortalized with statue at Miller Park

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Brewers announcer Bob Uecker will be honored this summer with a statue placed outside of Miller Park. The statue will be located near Miller Park’s Home Plate Plaza.

Uecker is known to many as "Mr. Baseball." His name is synonymous with summertime in Wisconsin as he has brought Milwaukee Brewers baseball to generations of fans listening to games on the Brewers Radio Network. His irreverent style and knowledge of the game are unrivaled, and Uecker’s talents have been known to audiences worldwide for years through his work on television and film projects.

In a news release issued by the Brewers Wednesday morning, Brewers Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasio said, "The joy that Bob has brought to us over the years is priceless, and with 2012 being the 50th Anniversary of his first Major League game, there’s no better time than now to celebrate his achievements. He is an iconic figure for the franchise, and his passion for the Brewers is second-to-none. Bob is a national treasure who calls Wisconsin home. I’m proud to have him as a great friend. I couldn’t be happier to add this statue to his legacy.”

“I am honored and grateful to everyone in the Brewers organization for this tribute,” Uecker said. “I would especially like to thank Mark Attanasio, who has become a friend and a confidant, his wife Debbie, and the Attanasio family. I would also like to thank our fans for their support. I hope they have enjoyed listening to the games as much as I have enjoyed doing the broadcasts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you.”

Uecker will be the fourth person to be honored with a Miller Park statue. Hank Aaron and Robin Yount were the first to be recognized with statues that were unveiled on April 5, 2001, the first year of Miller Park’s existence. The first two statues were donated by the Allan H. (Bud) Selig Foundation. On August 24, 2010, Major League Baseball Commissioner and former Brewers Owner Allan H. (Bud) Selig became the third honoree when his statue was unveiled in an afternoon program.

The date of the Uecker statue unveiling and related ceremonies will be August 31, 2012.

The statue will be cast in bronze, measure over seven feet in height not including the base, and is being designed and produced by Brian Maughan, who (along with Douglas Kwart) also created the Aaron, Selig and Yount statues.