Bob Uecker, Legendary Voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, Has Died
January 16, 2025Obituary Sports
Bob Uecker acknowledges the crowd at Miller Park shortly before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the start of Game 1 of the NL Division Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Arizona Diamondbacks on October 1st, 2011; Photo by Steve Paluch, via Wikimedia Commons

Bob Uecker, Legendary Voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, Has Died

The comic genius and middling big leaguer became the beloved radio voice of his hometown baseball team for 53 years. He was 90.

BY Rich Rovito

Bob Uecker, the beloved radio voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for 53 years, has died. The Brewers announced that Uecker, who would have turned 91 on Jan. 26, died early Thursday morning at his home.

A statement from his family said Uecker has “faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023.”

A Milwaukee native, Uecker’s connection to professional baseball in the city dates to the Milwaukee Braves era. Signed by the Braves in 1956, Uecker played six seasons in the team’s minor league system before making his major league debut in 1962. He played one more season in Milwaukee as a backup catcher before being traded to St. Louis.

After his playing career ended, Uecker would eventually turn to broadcasting, and few have done it longer in the radio booth. The late Vin Scully announced games for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers for 67 years until retiring in 2016. Jaime Jarrín retired in 2022 after a 64-year career as the Spanish voice of the Dodgers.

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Prior to joining the Brewers broadcast booth, Uecker spent the 1969 and 1970 seasons broadcasting Atlanta Braves games alongside Milo Hamilton and Ernie Johnson Sr. His tenure with the Brewers began in 1971 when he joined Tom Collins and Merle Harmon in the booth.

Uecker remained a vital and active part of the Brewers until what would be his final signoff in October.

Throughout last season, he was often seen in the Brewers clubhouse, dugout or on the field engaging with players, coaches and other team personnel before games. Uecker was front and center for the team’s wild champagne-soaked clubhouse celebrations at American Family Field during the team’s recent playoff runs. 

Uecker spent considerable time in the team’s clubhouse this past season, almost always with a smile on his face, chatting and joking with players, clubhouse personnel and reporters and hanging out in manager Pat Murphy’s office. In an interview in the Brewers 2024 playoff program, Murphy said this of Uecker: “Bob epitomizes what winning organizations are all about. He’s as authentic of a person as there is and he just loves this place. He’s devoted his whole life to this franchise.”

Uecker was friendly with many players but enjoyed an extremely special connection with star outfielder Christian Yelich.

After the Brewers were eliminated from the playoff’s last season, Yelich and “Ueckie,” as he called him, shared a moment that left Yelich in tears at his locker. 

“It’s special, every time he’s around,” Yelich said of his friendship with Uecker, who was nearly 60 years his senior. “You shouldn’t take it for granted. He’s the man. He means a lot to this place. Anyone who’s spent any kind of time with him knows how special Bob is.”

Earlier in the season, Yelich received a clubhouse delivery of Uecker-themed bats for Players Weekend. 

Uecker was on the call for the most memorable moments in Brewers’ history – among them the Easter Sunday game in 1987, when Milwaukee extended its season-opening winning streak to 12 games on ninth-inning home runs by Rob Deer (to tie the game) and Dale Sveum (to walk it off). 

Nearly four decades later, Uecker delivered the call of a grand slam by Brewers’ 20-year-old rookie sensation Jackson Chourio with every bit as much gusto. 

There was also Daniel Vogelbach’s stunning walk-off grand slam in 2021. “What a bath for Daniel Vogelbach,” Uecker exclaimed. 

Or the call of the back-to-back homers by Yelich and Ryan Braun in 2018. 

And many, many more that are forever burned in the memories of Brewers’ fans.

Uecker’s work over the years hasn’t been limited to Brewers’ broadcasting. He worked as a national color commentator for ABC and NBC baseball telecasts. He had a major role in the popular movie Major League, parts of which were filmed in Milwaukee and at County Stadium, the Brewers’ home before American Family Field. (That’s the origin of his wry “juuust a bit outside” line.) He also starred in the ABC sitcom “Mr. Belvedere,” which aired from 1985 to 1990 and authored the humorous book Catcher in the Wry, which recounts his major league career. He appeared on Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show” 62 times and was a longtime pitchman for Miller Lite.

He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2001 and two years later was honored with the Ford C. Frick Award by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which is presented annually to a broadcaster for “major contributions to baseball.”

But Uecker’s roots, by far, run deepest with the Brewers.

He’s a member of the Brewers Walk of Fame, his plaque located near home plate on the plaza outside American Family Field. There’s also a statue bearing his likeness outside the ballpark. A second statue honoring Uecker sits in the last row of the “Uecker Seats” at the top of the stadium’s Terrace Level. The statue commemorates the popular Miller Lite commercials in which he delivered his famous and often-repeated line, “I must be in the front row!” 

Uecker was also inducted into the inaugural class of the Brewers Wall of Honor, which is located along the third base side outside American Family Field. The Brewers said a public celebration of Uecker’s life will be held at a future date.

Here is what people are saying about Uecker’s passing:

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.”

Statement from Allan H. “Bud” Selig, baseball commissioner emeritus and former Brewers owner

 “I am heartbroken with the loss of my dear lifelong friend, Bob Uecker. I can’t begin to describe how much he meant to me, let alone what this loss is for Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin and countless others worldwide. Bob had the easiest way of making others feel at ease, share a laugh and always left people feeling a little better. Nobody was his equal. I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship was a constant presence throughout most of my life. For over fifty years, rarely did a day pass where we missed a conversation, a sharing of stories, and countless laughs. That cannot be replaced and is a giant loss, but I am lucky to have experienced that kind of enduring friendship. Sue and I are thinking of Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr., and all of Bob’s family during what is a difficult time for all of us.”

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.”

Statement from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson

“The city is enormously saddened with news of Bob Uecker’s passing. Bob was Milwaukee baseball. His laugh-out-loud self-deprecation brought enjoyment for fans of baseball, TV sitcoms, movies, and national talk shows. Bob was a product of Milwaukee Public Schools, a standout at what was then Boy’s Tech High School. He grew up playing in local leagues before signing with his hometown Braves. While never an all-star, Bob was a world champ with the Cardinals n 1964.  After baseball he landed a job with the Brewers. He often joked about his short scouting tenure, but that led to the broadcast booth where Bob was, for decades, the voice of baseball in Milwaukee. Bob could find humor is almost anything – his playing career, his friendships, and even his near-deadly spider bite. His game broadcasts were always entertaining – even when the Brewers were losing badly. Bob Uecker loved baseball, the Brewers, and Milwaukee, and it’s hard to imagine the coming season without him.”

Statement from Gov. Tony Evers

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of Wisconsin’s own, Mr. Baseball himself, the great Bob Uecker. For more than 50 years, Bob brought the magic of the ballpark to life for so many, and I am sure I speak for Brewers fans everywhere when I say we gladly would have had him for 50 more. He wasn’t just a comedian and a great announcer—Bob was a man of character and integrity. Throughout his career, he made countless contributions to the history and culture of Major League Baseball, and he was active in giving back to our communities and our state. Boy, we’re going to miss him. He was beloved, not just in Wisconsin but across the country. He was a giant, and I—like so many other lifelong Brewers fans—will miss hearing his enthusiasm and love for the game and our Brewers on the airwaves. It’s a sad day. Kathy and I are thinking of his family, friends, the Brew Crew, and all those who knew and loved Ueck. He will always be remembered.”

Rich Rovito
Rich Rovito is a freelance writer for Milwaukee Magazine.

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