Bob Uecker was the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, and after a brief playing career he earned the nickname “Mr. CBS News confirmed that Bob Uecker, who was a member of the Hall of Fame and received honors for his contributions to baseball, had died. He was 90.
The Brewers confirmed Uecker’s death on Thursday morning. They called it “one the most difficult days of Milwaukee Brewers History.” Uecker, according to a club statement, had been battling small cell lung carcinoma since early 2023.
The family stated that “even in the face this challenge, his zest for life was never diminished, and he never allowed his spirit to falter.”
Uecker is best known for being a colorful comic and broadcaster. He earned his nickname after one of his many appearances on Johnny Carson’s late-night show.
Uecker was born and raised in Milwaukee. He signed his first contract as a professional with the Milwaukee Braves, in 1956. In 1962 he reached the Majors. Uecker spent six seasons as a backup catcher in the major leagues, where he finished with a.200 batting average and 14 home runs.
He played for Atlanta, Philadelphia and St. Louis and won a World Series Ring in 1964.
“Career highlights? He often joked, “I had two.” “I got a walk from Sandy Koufax, and I was able to get out of the rundown against Mets.”
Uecker was also friends with former Brewers owner Bud Selig and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig who hired him initially as a scout. Selig would make jokes about Uecker’s first scouting reports being stained with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Selig brought Uecker into the broadcast booth. Uecker was the voice of Brewers for the first two years after the team’s move from Seattle.
Uecker was with the Brewers from then on, and became one the most enduring figures in the Brewers. Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who grew up in Milwaukee, recalled summer days spent throwing a ball against the roof of his house and catching it as he listened to Uecker’s broadcasts.
Jeff Levering is a Brewers broadcaster who has been with the team since 2015.
Uecker enjoyed the chance to continue to call games for his fans in his hometown, even as his fame grew across the country.
Uecker said, “To be able play a game every day during the summer and to talk to people each day at 6:30 pm for a night-time game makes you part of their families.” “I get mail telling me this. It’s a reward to be here. Just being recognized for the way you speak, describe a game or whatever.”
Uecker received the Ford C. Frick Award in 2003, and spent about 20 minutes making the Cooperstown crowd of 18,000 laugh.
He quipped, “I still – and this is by no means sour grapes – still think I should’ve gone in as a… player.”
