- Slug: Sports-Bob Uecker Death. 1070 words.
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By Tucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News
PHOENIX – For 54 seasons of Major League Baseball, Milwaukee Brewers fans experienced one constant: Bob Uecker.
Moments after a heartbreaking loss in the National League Wild Card series to the New York Mets in 2024 fans of the Brewers likely didn’t know it would be the last time they would hear ‘Mr Baseball’ on the call for their team. Uecker, the Hall of Fame broadcaster known for his wit and his iconic voice, died Thursday after facing “a private battle with small cell lung cancer” since early 2023, according to his family.
“I’m telling you, that one … had some sting on it,” the 90-year-old Uecker said on the radio broadcast in October, after the Mets ended the Brewers’ season.
What didn’t sting happened just a few weeks earlier. In mid-September, the Brewers clinched the NL Central with a win over the Oakland Athletics. Former ASU baseball coach-turned-Brewers manager Pat Murphy brought Uecker to the clubhouse for the traditional celebration. The players chanted “UECKKKKKKKKKK” as champagne and beer flew around the embracing Murphy and Uecker.
“There is no one who epitomizes a champion the way this man does right here,” Murphy yelled. “What an example for us to be with every single day, Bob Uecker.”
After another cheer from the players, Murphy dumped champagne on the head of the 90-year-old legend, who couldn’t help but laugh and smile.
“Any time we celebrated in the last nine years, (Uecker) was part of it,” Murphy said. “He’s part of the fabric of the Milwaukee Brewers and he will be forever.”
Murphy became an assistant in Milwaukee in 2015 after a stint in San Diego. He said he got to know Uecker as soon as he was hired and formed a connection with ‘Mr. Baseball’ right out of the gate.
“Best part of my job was getting to see (Uecker) every day,” Murphy said. “To be honest, we didn’t talk much baseball.”
‘Mr. Baseball’ was born in Milwaukee in 1934 and grew up watching the Milwaukee Brewers play at Borchert Field. Uecker joined the Army in 1954 and became a corporal, while also playing baseball. After his military career, Uecker signed with the Milwaukee Braves and bounced between the majors and minors in a short career in the 1960s.
After hanging up his cleats and catcher’s gear, Uecker joined his hometown team’s radio crew in 1971 and never left.
“He had been here his whole life and wouldn’t leave,” Murphy said. “He had many chances to live and just wouldn’t.”
He did certainly explore though. The backup catcher-turned-radio man started to get noticed. He became a Hollywood darling, producing laughs on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson (where the ‘Mr. Baseball’ title originated), hosting “Saturday Night Live,” and starring as fictional Cleveland broadcaster Harry Doyle for the iconic “Major League” films.
Uecker’s “juuuuuuuust a bit outside” line in “Major League” became commonplace among baseball fans when pitchers, like Charlie Sheen’s Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn, struggled with control.
Uecker’s longevity is nearly unheard of. His 54 years on the call trail only Denny Matthews, the longtime voice of the Kansas City Royals. That longevity allowed Uecker to develop a special relationship with the players in Milwaukee.
“He was in his element when he was in the clubhouse,” Murphy said. “A new guy would get brought up and maybe nobody knew him … (Bob) had already known his name, he knew something about him and immediately made that person feel special like he did everybody.”
The idea that Uecker wanted to just be another one of the guys was only boosted by his playing days. His time at American Family Fields in the Valley for Spring Training helped him learn about those guys nobody knew yet.
Murphy mentioned that Brewers star outfielder Christian Yelich and former Brewers manager and current Cubs manager Craig Counsell were both close to Uecker as well and had already reached out.
In a heartfelt tribute to Uecker, Yelich wrote on Instagram: “You’d always thank me for my friendship but the truth of it is the pleasure was all mine. I’ll miss you my friend.”
The Brewers’ connections join a large group of members of the baseball community, fans and even some celebrities who honored Uecker after his passing Thursday.
Bud Selig, former Brewers owner, MLB commissioner emeritus and faculty member of Arizona State’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, was very close to Uecker and released a statement on his friend’s passing.
“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.”
Murphy mentioned that Selig’s relationship with Uecker meant a lot to Uecker over the years.
In an Instagram post dedicated to Uecker, comedian Adam Sandler wrote, “What a Guy! What a great part of our lives! Felt like all our dads’ best friend! Love to his family and thanks for all, Bob!”
In recent years, Uecker struggled with small-cell lung cancer which he battled privately. His presence at the ballpark was more infrequent but he remained tight with the team and still contributed on the radio when he was able. Members of the Brewers organization, including Yelich and Murphy, knew of Uecker’s health struggles and made great strides to enjoy his company while he was around.
“The guys have taken it very difficult,” Murphy said. “Christian Yelich and (Uecker) were very, very tight.”
Few local broadcasters had Uecker’s reach and gravity. He became a household name. But that was never his goal. He just loved baseball.
“He did not look for attention,” Murphy said. “He just wanted to be one of the guys.”
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