Bob Uecker, the longtime radio voice of the Milwaukee Brewers and a former catcher in the major leagues, has passed away at the age of 90, the team announced on Thursday morning. Uecker was the play-by-play voice for the team over 53 seasons, beginning his time with the organization as a broadcaster in 1971. Known as “Mr. Baseball,” he was a beloved figure around the game and synonymous with the Brewers as the team built a fanbase in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
“While this onetime backup catcher was known for his self-deprecating style, Bob Uecker was one of the game’s most beloved figures throughout his 70-year career in baseball,” Robert D. Manfred Jr., commissioner of Major League Baseball, said in a statement. “In his six years in his hometown of Milwaukee as well as St. Louis, Philadelphia and Atlanta, Bob made lifelong friendships with many Hall of Famers and other stars of the ’60s, and he was a member of the 1964 World Series Champion Cardinals.
“Near the beginning of his remarkable 54-year run in the Brewers’ radio booth, Bob’s trademark wit became a staple of television and movies. Even with his considerable success in Hollywood, Bob remained fiercely loyal to baseball and to Milwaukee. He loved the game and used his platform to help numerous charitable causes in his hometown and beyond.
“Bob was the genuine item: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our National Pastime. We are grateful for this baseball life like no other, and we will never forget him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathy to Bob’s family, his many friends across the game, Brewers fans, and teh countless baseball fans who admired him.”
In a statement from the Uecker family, it was divulged that Uecker had been battling with small cell lung cancer since early 2023. Despite facing this challenge, his family voiced that he maintained an “enthusiasm for life” and that he was so much more than an announcer and entertainer. The family is mourning his loss and conveyed that his humor and voice “transcended the game” of baseball.
“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,” the Uecker family said in a statement. “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.”
The Brewers organization has announced that there will be a public celebration of Uecker’s life and immense impact, with details of such to be announced at a later date. Uecker remained behind the microphone at American Family Field last season as the team clinched a playoff berth and played in the Wild Card round.
“Today, we take on the heaviest of burdens,” the Milwaukee Brewers organization said in a statement. “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.”
Uecker received several honors throughout his broadcasting career, including being the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 2003. Two years earlier, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, joining other baseball broadcasting icons such as Vin Scully, Mel Allen and Red Barber. Uecker is a member of the Brewers Walk of Fame and has two statues at American Family Field. Moreover, he is a five-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year, starred in various movies and hosted two syndicated television shows.
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