Baseball icon Bob Uecker, the legendary Hall of Fame Milwaukee Brewers radio announcer, died Thursday at the age of 90.
Uecker’s family said in a statement: “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.”
Uecker, known as “Ueck” and “Mr. Baseball”, made his MLB debut as a player in 1962 with Milwaukee, and also played with the St. Louis Cardinals (a team led by Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson which won the World Series in 1964), Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves. Uecker hit just .200 throughout his six season career before moving onto the broadcasting booth, joining the Brewers radio broadcast team where he became an instant hit with fans. The 2024 season marked Uecker’s 54th as a Brewers broadcaster. In 2003, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame where he was presented with the Ford C. Frick Award, the sport’s highest broadcast honor.
The Milwaukee Brewers posted on social media on Uecker’s death: “We are heartbroken to announce that Brewers icon & Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Uecker passed away today at the age of 90”. They also shared in a statement: “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.”
In to his baseball and broadcasting career, Uecker acted in roles on the 1989 movie “Major League” and later the sitcom “Mr. Belvedere” from 1985 to 1990, where he portrayed sportswriter George Owens on the ABC sitcom about a suburban Pittsburgh family of five and their British butler.
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