Bob Uecker, Legendary Brewers Broadcaster, Dies at 90

Bob Uecker, the beloved voice of the Milwaukee Brewers and one of baseball’s greatest characters, died Thursday at 90 after battling small cell lung cancer.

For over 50 years, Uecker’s distinctive voice and quick wit made him more than just a baseball announcer – he was Milwaukee’s soundtrack of summer.

“He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball,” his family said in an emotional statement. “But it’s his kindness, humility, and love for family and friends that we’ll hold closest to our hearts.”

Before he became famous for his broadcasting and comedy, Uecker actually played in the big leagues. He hit .200 with 14 home runs across six seasons, including winning a World Series ring with the 1964 Cardinals.

But it was his self-deprecating humor about his playing career that made him legendary.

“All of a sudden, the pitching coach says, ‘Let me see your good fastball,'” Uecker once recalled about a tryout. “I said, ‘I have been throwing my good fastball!’ And he says, ‘Well, then I recommend you get a job.'”

That sense of humor caught Johnny Carson’s eye, leading to dozens of appearances on “The Tonight Show.” Even when the Brewers hired him as a scout, he turned it into comedy gold.

“Worst scout I ever had,” former MLB commissioner Bud Selig joked. “The report was smeared with gravy and mashed potatoes.”

The Brewers called him “the light of the Brewers” and “the soundtrack of our summers” in their statement Thursday. They installed a statue of him at American Family Field – which prompted another classic Uecker line: “It’s great for the fans and even better for the pigeons.”

His impact went beyond Milwaukee. Movie fans know him as Harry Doyle, the hilarious announcer from “Major League” and its sequels. The Baseball Hall of Fame honored him with the Ford C. Frick Award in 2003 for his contributions to the game.

“You shouldn’t take it for granted,” Brewers star Christian Yelich said last October about having Uecker around. “Anybody that’s spent any amount of time here knows how special Bob is.”

That’s what made Uecker unique – he could make you laugh while making you love baseball even more. Whether you were a player, fan, or just someone who enjoyed his humor, Bob Uecker made the game better.