Beloved Brewers Broadcaster Bob Uecker, ‘Mr. Baseball,’ Passes Away at 90

Bob Uecker, the legendary voice of the Milwaukee Brewers and a beloved figure in baseball, has passed away at the age of 90. Known affectionately as "Mr. Baseball," Uecker’s influence on the sport and his hometown of Milwaukee is immeasurable. The Brewers announced his passing on Thursday morning, describing it as "one of the most difficult days in Milwaukee Brewers history."

Uecker’s family revealed he had been privately battling small cell lung cancer since early 2023. Despite the challenge, Uecker’s unwavering enthusiasm for life remained a hallmark of his personality. "Even in the face of this challenge, his spirit never faltered," his family shared in a heartfelt statement.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred paid tribute to Uecker, calling him "the genuine item." Manfred added, "He was always the funniest person in the room and an outstanding ambassador for our National Pastime. We’ll never forget his unique baseball life."

A Life of Laughter and Legacy

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Bob Uecker was more than just a broadcaster; he was a symbol of baseball in Wisconsin. His career began as a professional player when he signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956. Uecker played six seasons in the majors as a backup catcher, ending his career with a .200 batting average, 14 home runs, and a World Series ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964.

Always quick with a joke, Uecker famously poked fun at his playing career. "Career highlights? I had two," he once quipped. "I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax, and I got out of a rundown against the Mets."

After retiring from playing, Uecker transitioned to broadcasting, a move that would cement his place in baseball history. He became the voice of the Brewers in 1971, just a year after the team relocated from Seattle to Milwaukee. For more than five decades, Uecker was the heart and soul of Brewers broadcasts, his humor and charisma making him a beloved figure for fans of all ages.

A Champion in Spirit

Though his wit and humor made him a national icon, Uecker’s connection to Milwaukee and the Brewers remained his defining trait. When the Brewers clinched the NL Central title in 2024, manager Pat Murphy made sure to honor Uecker during the celebration. Surrounded by champagne-soaked players, Murphy called Uecker the epitome of a champion.

"Bob was an example for us every single day," Murphy said. "There is no one like him."

Even in moments of disappointment, Uecker was there for the team. After the Brewers were eliminated from the playoffs in 2024, he visited the locker room to lift the players’ spirits. Outfielder Christian Yelich later reflected on the bond he shared with Uecker, saying, "You’d always thank me for my friendship, but the pleasure was all mine. I’ll miss you, my friend."

A National Treasure

Uecker’s charm extended far beyond Milwaukee. His numerous appearances on Johnny Carson’s late-night show earned him the nickname "Mr. Baseball," and he quickly became a household name. Despite his fame, Uecker always stayed true to his roots, delighting in calling games for his hometown team.

"To be able to do a game every day throughout the summer, to talk to people at 6:30 every night for a game — you become part of their family," Uecker once said. "That’s part of the reward for being here."

Former Brewers owner and MLB commissioner Bud Selig played a pivotal role in Uecker’s career, hiring him as a scout before bringing him into the broadcast booth. Selig often joked about Uecker’s scouting reports being stained with mashed potatoes and gravy, a testament to Uecker’s humor and warmth.

Remembering an Icon

Over the years, Uecker’s voice became synonymous with Brewers baseball. Fans tuned in not just to hear about the game but to share in the joy and laughter he brought to every broadcast. Brewers broadcaster Jeff Levering summed it up best, saying, "There’s no single person in this franchise’s history who has been as iconic and as important as Bob Uecker."

Uecker’s influence extended to those who grew up listening to him. Former Brewers manager Craig Counsell, a Milwaukee native, recalled spending his childhood throwing a baseball against the roof while listening to Uecker’s broadcasts.

A Final Farewell

Bob Uecker’s passing marks the end of an era for Brewers fans and the broader baseball community. His humor, kindness, and passion for the game made him a one-of-a-kind figure. As the Brewers and their fans mourn the loss of "Mr. Baseball," they’ll also celebrate a life that brought so much joy to so many.

Uecker once said, "People recognize you by the way you talk, the way you describe a game." For millions of fans, Uecker wasn’t just the voice of the Brewers — he was a part of their lives. Rest in peace, Bob Uecker. You’ll never be forgotten.