Beloved. treasure. legend.
Tributes are pouring in for Bob Uecker, “Mr. Baseball,” the longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster, who died Thursday at the age of 90. The words used to describe him depict a man cherished by family, friends and fans alike.
Oker was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in 2023, according to a statement from his family.
“He brought joy to countless listeners with his wit, charisma, and love of baseball, Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin,” the statement read. “While his contributions to the game are noteworthy, it is his kindness, humility, and love of family and friends that we will hold closest to our hearts.”
Last season marked Uecker’s 54th as a Brewers broadcaster, the fourth-longest tenure of any broadcaster with one team in Major League Baseball history (behind Vin Scully, Jaime Jarrin and Denny Matthews). In 1962, he became the first Milwaukee native to sign with the Braves and spent six seasons as a backup catcher.
Bud Selig, former baseball commissioner and before that Brewers owner, hired Uecker as a scout for the team in 1971. The two became friends.
“I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship has been ever-present throughout most of my life. Over the course of over 50 years, there is rarely a day that goes by that we miss the conversation, the sharing of stories, and the countless laughs. That cannot be replaced, and it is a terrible loss, but I am fortunate to have experienced This kind of lasting friendship.
Bob Uecker was, and always will be, the soul of Brewers baseball#Thank you pic.twitter.com/nolBZpIgJr
-Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) January 16, 2025
The Brewers described Uecker, or as Milwaukeeans knew him, Ueck, as “the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summer, and the laughter in our hearts. … He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend.”
“Bob’s farewell shakes us all. He was so much more than just a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob regaled us with his words and stories, so it’s no surprise that his passing now leaves us scratching our heads.” The team said.
“Bob was the real deal,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “He was always the funniest person in any room he was in, and he was always an outstanding ambassador for our national pastime. We are grateful for his unparalleled baseball life, and we will never forget him.”
A common theme in the tribute was how much people loved being there and talking with Uecker. Early in his career, former beer angler Jonathan Lucroy said he went fishing with Ocker and caught trout.
“He handed me his net so I could get the fish, and after I got the fish in, the rubber handle slid off and the net sank,” Lucroy wrote on X.
“Yuk looks at me, with a straight, serious face, and exclaims, ‘That was my grandfather’s net!’ For a moment, I thought, ‘Oh crap. I’ve just messed up.’ Then I thought, ‘Wow, this must be an old net!’ Then I realized it was full of it. Then he started laughing at me and was always messing with people. I loved him. I will miss talking to him.”
I went fishing with Ueck on his boat during a day off early in my career. I was nervous and I hadn’t known him for long. I love fishing and Oyek invited me to go with him.
Anyway, I caught a trout out of the lake and brought it up close to the boat. He gave me his net so I could bring…
– Jonathan Lucroy (@JLucroy20) January 16, 2025
Fellow broadcasters Michael Kay and Suzanne Waldman also praised Uecker.
“(I’m) so grateful to have had the last time to share memories, stories and warm laughter with him this past summer.” Waldman wrote in an Instagram post.
Very sad. What a man. What a life. RIP bob.
– Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) January 16, 2025
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Hall of Fame broadcaster and baseball personality Bob Uecker has died at the age of 90
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(Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
