milwaukee – The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Thursday, January 16, that Brewers icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Uecker has passed away at the age of 90.
Tribute to Bob Uecker
What they say:
Reactions to Bob Uecker’s death will come from across Wisconsin, the United States and the world. Mr. Baseball touched the lives of many people.
milwaukee brewers
“Today we carry our heaviest burden. Today we say goodbye to our beloved friend Bob Uecker.
“Weck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, and the source of laughter in our hearts. His passing is a deep loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and will be remembered dearly. Bob loved people. His presence warmed everyone, and he treated us all as if we were friends for life. He had a way of welcoming people into his world.
“Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and stories. No wonder, then, that his death perplexes us.” Our own words.
Brewers announcer Bob Uecker dies
The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Thursday, January 16, that Brewers icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Uecker has passed away at the age of 90.
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“Words cannot express the impact Yuk had on so many people, and there are no words to describe how much he was loved. It leaves a huge void in our hearts, but we know that he was I also remember you for bringing laughter and joy to our lives over the years.”
Alan H. “Bud” Selig, Commissioner Emeritus of Major League Baseball and former Brewers owner
“I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear lifelong friend, Bob Uecker. I know how much he meant to me, and to countless others from Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin, and around the world. It goes without saying how much this loss means to the fans.
“Bob had the easiest way to put others at ease, share a laugh, and always made people feel a little better. No one could match him.
“I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship has been a constant presence throughout most of my life. For over 50 years, I have missed many conversations, stories shared, and countless laughs.” There were very few days when I did that. It’s priceless and precious.” Although we suffered a great loss, we were lucky to experience such lasting friendships.
“Sue and I are thinking of Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr., and Bob’s entire family during this difficult time for all of us.”
Looking back at Bob Uecker’s career
FOX6 Sports Director Tim Van Huuren looks back at Bob Uecker’s legendary career.
Statement from the Uecker family
“We deeply mourn Bob’s passing. To many, he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more.
“Bob has faced a personal battle with small cell lung cancer since the beginning of 2023, but he faced it with the same strength and resilience that has defined him. His zest for life was always present and his spirit never diminished.”
“Through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and the entire state of Wisconsin, he brought joy to countless listeners and created a legacy that will be cherished forever. His contributions to baseball are What is remarkable is his kindness, humility and modesty, and his love for family and friends, which we cherish dearly.
“We thank you for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, and we grieve and celebrate the person we are lucky enough to call our own.”
The Milwaukee Brewers will announce details of an event to publicly celebrate the life and unique influence of Bob Uecker at a later date.
MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 3: Milwaukee Brewers play-by-play announcer stands in the dugout before the New York Mets vs. Milwaukee Brewers game on Monday, April 3, 2023 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bob Uecker. (photograph
Bob Uecker touched our hearts
Back story:
Affectionately known as “Mr.” Baseball, professional player, broadcaster, actor, and comedian Bob Uecker was born on January 26, 1934, in Milwaukee.
Uecker grew up playing baseball and watching the minor league Milwaukee Brewers play at Borchert Field.
“I was actually a pitcher when I played in the sandlot in Milwaukee, and I actually got a tryout with the Braves,” Uecker said. “There was a guy there, a pitching coach. He was standing next to me, and I was pitching for about 15, 20 minutes. And he finally said, ‘Here’s your good fastball. Here’s a real story.” And I said, “I’m throwing a good fastball,” and he said, “Then I recommend you do your job.” ” That’s what I said to him once when I finally got to spring training. I asked him about the major leagues. He remembered me and said no. But he told me to work, so I transitioned from pitcher to catcher.
As a catcher, Uecker signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959 and a major league contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1962.
Uecker also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves during his six-year career. Although he was known as a defensive catcher, his total batting average was only .200. It was after his playing days that he became a national figure.
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Bob Uecker
In 1970, Uecker appeared on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. Armed with self-deprecating humor, he appeared in over 100 movies. It was Carson who gave him the nickname “Mr. Baseball.”
“I tried to stay in there, oh, maybe one or two home runs a year. Maybe three or four RBIs. ‘Cause when you move up to that category the next year, they give you “You would expect the same or better,” Uecker said.
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Uecker returned to Japan in 1971. He began calling games on the Milwaukee Brewers’ radio broadcasts and continued to do so until his death.
“I quickly went from playing baseball upstairs to working with Merle Harmon and Tom Collins,” Uecker said.
Bob Uecker, left, play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers radio team, is shown working during the Red Sox-Brewers game at Fenway Park.
In the late 1970s, Uecker began calling games on television on ABC’s Monday Night Baseball. He also appeared in several commercials for Miller Lite All Star, which led to other acting jobs.
“Like I said. I love traveling with them,” Uecker said.
In early 1985, Uecker appeared on the ABC sitcom “Mr. Belvedere.” The show lasted six seasons.
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In 1987 and 1988, Uecker appeared as a guest ring announcer at WrestleMania III and IV, which led to him being inducted into the WWE Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Uecker also made his way to the big screen. He played announcer Harry Doyle in the Major League movie.
Uecker also participated in network broadcasts of World Series games in 1981, 1995, and 1997. However, despite his national appeal and success in Hollywood, Uecker returned to Milwaukee and was called up every season by the Brewers.
MILWAUKEE, WI – 1980: Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker is in the booth during a game at County Stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the 1980s. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
“I like to make people laugh. I don’t care if it comes at a cost to me. I love what I do. I make other people feel good,” Uecker said. said. “The thing is, when you sit down and talk about something like that from years ago, it makes you laugh. It really makes you laugh.”
In 2003, Uecker received the Ford C. Frick Award. This award is presented annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for outstanding contributions to baseball. In typical Uecker style, he elicited laughs during his inaugural address.
Baltimore, Maryland – Circa 1983: Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker interviews Brewers manager Harvey Kueng before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, circa 1983. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images)
In 2010, Uecker had some health concerns. He underwent heart surgery in April and returned to the booth in July. Then, in October, Uecker had to undergo a second surgery to repair a tear caused by a valve replacement caused by a staph infection. Over the past few seasons, Uecker has reduced his broadcast schedule and cut back on many of his road trips.
“I realized it was time to start thinking about something else. Maybe it would be calling a slow-pitch softball game at the Village at Manor Park, but I don’t know. No,” Uecker said.
There are many memorials to Uecker around Milwaukee’s ballpark. The Brewers wear No. 50 on their Ring of Honor. His name is also inscribed on the Braves’ Wall of Honor. There is a statue of Uecker outside. In 2014, the team placed one of him behind home plate, sitting in the top level, as an homage to the Miller Lite commercial.
“When I first heard about this project, I said no. They wanted me to work on it,” Uecker said.
Bob Uecker will be remembered as the voice of summer and baseball.
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 3: Milwaukee Brewers radio announcer Bob Uecker speaks during the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers Wild Card Series 1 at American Family Field on October 3. A first pitch ceremony will be held before the game.
“Sooner or later, everyone has to go. Look, I don’t know when my mud bath will come. But sooner or later, you’re going to have a lawnmower on you.” Uecker said. “I don’t care what it is. It just happens. It is what it is. There’s nothing you can do about it. And I’m going to hang around until I can’t anymore.”
source: Information in this post was created by FOX6 News.
