‘Mr. Baseball’: Legendary broadcaster, MLB catcher, actor and funny man, Bob Uecker, dead at 90
This morning, the Milwaukee Brewers announced the death of Bob Uecker, saying, “Today marks one of the most difficult days in Milwaukee Brewers history as the Club mourns the loss of the beloved Bob Uecker who passed away early this morning at his home at the age of 90.”
Statement from The 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.
“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.”
In 2001, Uecker was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, where he joined baseball broadcasting luminaries Vin Scully, Mel Allen, Red Barber, Ernie Harwell and Jack Brickhouse, as well as other American icons, including Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Edward R. Murrow and Orson Welles. He was later inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2012. ~ Bob Uecker Bio
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.
Prior to becoming the voice of the Brewers in 1971, Uecker spent 1969 and 1970 broadcasting Atlanta Braves games alongside fellow Ford C. Frick Award winner Milo Hamilton and Ernie Johnson, Sr.
Uecker’s big break can be traced to a 1969 visit with Al Hirt, a renowned jazz trumpeter from New Orleans. Hirt asked him to come on stage at a small nightclub he opened in Atlanta. Hirt was so impressed with Uecker that he arranged an appearance for him on The Tonight Show, starring Johnny Carson. Uecker became one of Carson’s favorite guests, making more than 100 appearances before Carson retired in 1992. He also made appearances on The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show and Late Night with David Letterman, and served as a guest host on Saturday Night Live. Uecker became a national celebrity, and the ABC Network capitalized on his popularity. He went on to make appearances on The Superstars, Friday Night Videos and The Midnight Special, which opened the door for additional high-profile appearances.
Bob Uecker's appearance on Johnny Carson were always must see TV.
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) January 16, 2025
Here he is on The Tonight Show, going over photos of his career, including the famous Bob Gibson photo.pic.twitter.com/gMkX5qFddL
A versatile talent, Uecker’s credits go far beyond guest appearances and play-by-play. In 1985, he launched a television acting career as one of the stars of ABC’s sitcom Mr. Belvedere, which aired 122 episodes. He also hosted two syndicated television shows, Bob Uecker’s Wacky World of Sports and Bob Uecker’s War of the Stars. Additionally, Uecker was one of the Miller Lite All-Stars in commercials for the beverage during the 1980s and was cast as a radio announcer in the movies Major League, which was filmed at County Stadium in Milwaukee, and Major League II. He has even made appearances on the pro wrestling circuit, hosting WrestleMania III and WrestleMania IV, which earned him a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010. ~ Bob Uecker Bio
For more on the legendary “Mr. Baseball”, Bob Uecker, see the video below.
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Sources: MLB and Bob Uecker Bio
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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