bob ueckerThe voice of his hometown Milwaukee Brewers, who earned the nickname “Mr. Baseball” and Hall of Fame honors after a short playing career, has died, the office of the baseball commissioner confirmed to CBS News. He was 90 years old.
The Brewers announced that Uecker died Thursday morning, calling it “one of the toughest days in the history of the Milwaukee Brewers.” In a statement released by the club, Uecker's family said he had been battling small cell lung cancer since the beginning of 2023.
“Even in the face of this challenge, his zest for life was always there; he never let his spirit waver,” the family said.
Uecker was best known as a colorful comedian and broadcaster, earning his nickname during one of his many appearances on Johnny Carson's late-night show.
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Born and raised in Milwaukee, Uecker signed his first professional contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956 and reached the majors in 1962. He spent six seasons in the big leagues as a backup catcher, finishing with a .200 average and 14 homers.
He won a World Series ring with St. Louis in 1964 and also played for Atlanta and Philadelphia.
“Career highlights? I had two,” he often joked. “I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I was out of the running against the Mets.”
Uecker also befriended former Brewers owner and MLB commissioner Bud Selig, who initially hired him as a scout. Selig liked to joke about how Uecker's early scouting report was stained with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Selig eventually brought Uecker to the broadcast booth. Uecker became the voice of the Brewers in his second year after the team moved from Seattle in 1971.
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