Rest In Peace: Bob Uecker

“Finally in the front row.” ~ Terry McGrath, my Naperville Yankee baseball teammate when I informed him of Bob’s passing this morning.

I knew one day I’d have to write this post. I dreaded it and now the “day” is here. Robert George Uecker, “Mister Baseball” died this morning. Bob had been battling small cell lung cancer since early 2023.

He was an MLB catcher for the Milwaukee Braves (1962-1963), the Saint Louis Cardinals (1964-1965), the Philadelphia Phillies (1966-1967), and the Atlanta Braves (1967). He had a career batting average of .200, hit 14 home runs and had 74 runs batted in. After his playing days he spent 54 years (1971-2024) as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers. He did Miller Lite beer commercials, appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, acted on the tv sitcom, “Mr. Belvedere”, played character “Harry Doyle” in the “Major League” movies, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 as the Ford C. Frick Award winner and the Brewers erected a statue in his honour outside of Miller Park (now American Family Field) in 2012. But mostly, he was a lover of baseball, and he passed those feelings to all who took the time to listen. I was fortunate to be one of those listeners.

I took the opportunity to write about Uecker in a post on January 30, 2023, titled “A True National Treasure” (CLICK HERE to read). It details more “highlights” of his career, along with stories, his quotes and his Hall of Fame speech. I encourage you to visit, or revisit that post.

(Bob Uecker. Found on the internet. Assuming Public Domain.)

Here are what some of the baseball organizations and others are saying about him:

The official statement from The Milwaukee Brewers:

Today we take on the heaviest 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.

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 the joy he brought to our lives.

From MLB:

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Uecker, a legendary ambassador for our game. After a six-year playing career with the Braves, Cardinals and Phillies from 1962-67, Uecker spent more than half a century as “Voice of the Brewers” beginning in 1971. Uecker’s self-deprecating humor endeared him to a national audience. He appeared in popular movies, commercials, talk shows, and even starred in his own TV sitcom. As a broadcaster, he worked national telecasts, All-Star Games, and the World Series. His dry style and wit belied a deep knowledge and passion for baseball, all of which made him one of the game’s finest broadcasters. Uecker, a member of the 1964 World Series champion Cardinals, was the 2003 Ford C. Frick Award winner and a five-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year. He was 90 years old.

From the Cleveland Guardians:

The Cleveland Guardians are saddened by the passing of a baseball legend, Bob Uecker. From "juuust a bit outside" to celebrating the division win, his character, Harry Doyle, became a Cleveland legend. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and the baseball community.

From The Saint Louis Cardinals:

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer and baseball icon Bob Uecker today. Uecker played two seasons in St. Louis and was part of our 1964 World Series team. His wit, humor, and deep love of the game will be dearly missed by baseball fans everywhere.

“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. 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.” ~ Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“It’s a sad day for baseball. Bob was so good to me in my short time with the Brewers and even more so as my career transitioned to the broadcast side of the game. Rest in peace to a true baseball lifer and legend of the sport.” ~ Will Middlebrooks, Boston Red Sox broadcaster.

“An absolute Legend. Truly. Rest in Peace Bob. Thanks for all the memories.” ~ J.J. Watts, former NFL defensive lineman, a Wisconsin native who grew up listening to Uecker on the radio.

“He was the best. Any conversation I ever had with him ended with laughter and a smile, but that doesn’t take into account what a warm, wonderful person he was. As genuine as they come. It was an absolute privilege to have known him. RIP, my friend.” ~ Howie Rose, New York Mets play-by-play announcer.

“It’s the day we all hoped would never come. Bob Uecker, the voice of the Brewers for the last 54 years and “Mr. Baseball” to fans around the world, passed away overnight, according to his family and the team. He was 90. Summers in Wisconsin will never be the same.” ~ Adam McCalvy, Brewers beat writer and author of “The Milwaukee Brewers at 50”.

“Hilarious baseball icon Bob Uecker, a broadcasting, sit-com and talk show legend following what he’d humorously tell you was one of the worst MLB careers ever, RIP. 90.” ~ Jon Heyman, New York Post baseball columnist and Insider at MLBNetwork.

(At the base of the Bob Uecker statue outside American Family Field right now: A single, unopened can of Miller Lite. Found on the internet. Assuming Public Domain. Posted by Curt Hogg, Brewers beat reporter, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.)

I have fond memories of listening to his Brewers broadcasts on the radio. His love for the game always shined through. He had an amazing rhythm with his delivery. He sprinkled in stories and anecdotes when the action waned. He had a dry, self-depreciating style with his quips, but again, mostly you could just feel he was doing what he most wanted to do, to be involved in the sport he loved.

Last season when the Brewers were knocked out of the playoffs by the New York Mets Bob uttered these words, "Well, New York, down. They did it. And The Crew will uh, will have it end, here tonight." "I'm telling you. That one -- had some sting on it." Those were his last words on his broadcast. The pain was evident in his voice.

Baseball will be starting. Spring training is just a few weeks away. I will of course be watching, listening and writing about it. The game will go on, and I’ll enjoy it no matter what, but a part of it is gone and I void has been left. We have clips, quotes and memories of Bob, it will have to be enough. Rest in Peace Bob. You will be sorely missed sir.

Please feel free to comment on any of your thoughts or memories of Ueck!

Thanks for your support.

~ Coach Mike

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