Brewers announcer Bob Uecker passes away at 90; team "heartbroken"

MILWAUKEE - 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.

Salute to Bob Uecker 

What they're saying:

Reaction to the passing of Bob Uecker will come from around Wisconsin, the nation and the world. Mr. Baseball touched many, many lives.

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."

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.

Bob Uecker touched our hearts

The backstory:

Known affectionately as 'Mr. Baseball', professional player, broadcaster, actor and comedian Bob Uecker was born on January 26th, 1934 in Milwaukee. 

Uecker grew up playing baseball and watching the minor league Milwaukee Brewers play at Borchert Field.

"Actually was a pitcher when I was playing in the sandlots in Milwaukee. I actually got a tryout from the Braves," Uecker said. "They had a guy down there. A pitching coach. He is standing next to me and I am throwing for about 15 or 20 minutes. And he finally said, 'now let me see your good fastball'. This is a true story. And I said, I have been throwing my good fastball. And then he said, 'well then I recommend you get a job'. That is what he told me. I saw him years later in spring training once when I finally got to the big leagues. I asked him if he remembered me. He said no. But I switched from pitching to catching after that when he told me to get a job.

As a catcher, Uecker signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959. He made it to the majors with the organization in 1962. 

Uecker also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves during his six-year career. Known as a defensive catcher, he finished with a career batting average of just 200. It was after his playing days that he became a national figure.

In 1970, Uecker was booked on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. With his self-deprecating humor, he made over 100 appearances. Carson is the one who gave him the nickname, Mr. Baseball.

"I tried to stay around, oh maybe one, two home runs a year. Maybe three or four runs batted in. Because when you get up in that category the next year they are going to expect the same thing from you or even more," Uecker said.

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In 1971, Uecker came home. He began calling games for the Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcast – something he did until his death.

"I went right from playing baseball upstairs to work with Merle Harmon and Tom Collins," Uecker said.

Later in the 1970s, Uecker started calling games on TV with Monday Night Baseball on ABC. He was also seen in several Miller Light All-Star commercials which led to other acting gigs.

"As I was saying. I love being on the road with these guys," Uecker said.

In the beginning of 1985, Uecker starred in the ABC sitcom, Mr. Belvedere. The show ran for six seasons.

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In 1987 and 1988, Uecker appeared as a guest ring announcer for Wrestle Mania III and IV – something that led to him being inducted into the WWE Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Uecker also made the jump to the Big Screen. He played Harry Doyle, an announcer in the Major League movies.

Uecker was also part of network broadcast for World Series games in 1981, 1995, and 1997. But even with his nationwide appeal and success in Hollywood, Uecker returned to Milwaukee to call season after season for the Brewers.

"I enjoy making people laugh. Whether it be at my expense, I don't worry about stuff like that. I love my job. I making other people feel good," Uecker said. "When you sit down and tell stories about stuff like that years ago, I mean you get to laughing. You really do."

In 2003, Uecker received the Ford C. Frick Award – bestowed annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for major contributions to baseball. In typical Uecker style, he brought out the laughs during his induction speech.

In 2010, Uecker had a couple of health scares. In April, he had heart surgery -- returning to the booth in July. Then in October, Uecker had to have a second surgery to repair a tear at the sight of his valve replacement because of a staph infection. Over the last several seasons, Uecker reduced his broadcast schedule, cutting back on many of the road trips.

"I realized that it is that time when you gotta start thinking about something else to do. You know, maybe I will be calling slow pitch softball games at Village at Manor Park, I don't know," Uecker said.

There are plenty of Uecker tributes around Milwaukee's ballpark. The Brewers placed a number 50 in their Ring of Honor. His name is also on the Braves Wall of Honor. There is a Uecker statue outside. In 2014, the team put up one of him inside behind home plate sitting on the top level, an homage to his Miller Light commercial. 

"When I first heard about this project I turned it down. I was under the impression that they wanted me to work from up there," Uecker said.

Bob Uecker will be remembered as the voice of summer and baseball.

"Sooner or later everybody has got to go. You know, I don't know when my dirt bath is going to come. But sooner or later you got a lawn mower on top of you," Uecker said. "I don't care what it is. It just happens. That is the way it is.  There is nothing you can do about it. And I am going to try and hang around until I can't do it anymore."

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