He is one of the most recognizable voices in sports, forever linked to the iconic call: “Juuuust a bit outside!” Bob Uecker, the legendary broadcaster known as “Mr. Baseball,” passed away Thursday at the age of 90. For over 50 years, he was the radio voice of the Milwaukee Brewers and a pop culture icon outside the stadium. Prior to his broadcasting career, he attempted to play the game himself, with mixed success, particularly at the plate.
“He is the most famous career .200 hitter ever,” said ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian. “He is the greatest backup catcher in the history of baseball.” Uecker’s self-deprecating humor was beloved; Kurkjian referred to it as “must-see television.” He had a unique talent for making fun of himself, which endeared him to audiences. Reflecting on his Hall of Fame speech, Kurkjian remarked, “It was the best speech I have ever seen. He winged the whole thing, and it was absolutely hilarious from beginning to end.”
One of Kurkjian’s fondest memories was during a Brewers banquet about 25 years ago, where Uecker served as master of ceremonies and delivered an incredibly funny, unscripted performance that had everyone in stitches. “Bob set the tone, he prepared the room, and everyone was in such a good mood,” Kurkjian recalled, grateful for the positive atmosphere Uecker created before he took the stage.
On social media, tributes poured in for Uecker, highlighting a common theme: he was never taken for granted. “He’s been so many places, he has done so many things, he’s played with so many great players,” noted Kurkjian. Even legends like Hank Aaron and Bob Gibson reached out to Uecker in their final days, recognizing the impact he had, calling him before they passed away.
Uecker’s presence transcended baseball, making him a familiar name even to those outside the sport, which dates back to his appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Mike Ferrin from MLB Network Radio reflected on Uecker’s broadcast value, admitting his comedic timing made him a joy to watch. “He came on, talked baseball, but primarily dropped jokes,” Ferrin said, emphasizing how much fun it was to see that dynamic.\n As a matter of fact, Carson himself famously gave Uecker the lasting nickname “Mr. Baseball.”
“As good as a play-by-play guy as he was, I will always think of him as this incredible talk show guest and performer who did all these amazing things, in addition to being, hands down, the greatest play-by-play announcer for someone who played Major League Baseball,” Ferrin asserted.
Uecker’s humor resonated across generations and roles, allowing everyone to relate to him. Ferrin remarked on Uecker’s self-deprecating style, saying, “Humor always plays right? Because it makes you relate to the person.” Uecker’s humility and ability to laugh at himself was a key part of why people found him so funny.
Dom Cotroneo often spent time with Uecker and highlighted the emotional weight of their moments together, especially as Uecker faced health challenges. “It was hard to keep that in, knowing what he was going through,” Cotroneo said. He described Uecker’s final sign-off during a tense playoff moment against the New York Mets, where three-time All-Star Christian Yelich was visibly affected after speaking with Uecker.
“What we saw in that video of Yelich was heartbreaking,” Cotroneo said, reflecting on the profound understanding everyone had about Uecker’s situation. During his last sign-off, Uecker poignantly said, “Well, New York, down. They did it. And The Crew will, uh, will have it end here tonight.” He expressed, “I’m telling you. That one — had some sting on it.”
Bob Uecker felt this loss.
“Well, New York, down. They did it. And The Crew will uh, will have it end, here tonight.”
“I’m telling you. That one — had some sting on it.”pic.twitter.com/GUfHasorDz
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 4, 2024
Cotroneo shared how Uecker would attend games after undergoing treatment, demonstrating incredible strength. “It’s amazing how much he was playing hurt,” he noted, emphasizing Uecker’s passion and dedication. Known for his incredible delivery, he was a player who excelled at broadcasting, making his mark as a beloved storyteller and performer.
“Bob Uecker was a player that happens to be good at broadcasting, not a broadcaster that used to be a player,” Cotroneo noted. “He was an athlete with a special touch that allowed him to be off the cuff. In this fast-paced media world, he never wanted to be considered part of the media.”
Cotroneo echoed Kurkjian’s admiration for Uecker’s Hall of Fame speech, applauding his creativity in delivering it without any preparation. “He just let it ride, which is similar to what athletes do,” Cotroneo observed. “You gotta react to what’s thrown at you.” He described Uecker as a true artist, likening his performance to Michelangelo sculpting or Picasso painting. “It was what he did with the microphone on his brain,” Cotroneo remarked, recognizing the genius behind Uecker’s craft.
Beyond his humorous antics, Uecker’s advocacy work reflected the depth of his character, particularly after the tragic loss of his daughter, Leeann, to ALS. He consistently supported ALS awareness initiatives and remained active in charitable causes, even after the passing of his son, Steve. “It’s a life marked by tragedy that he’s turned into charity,” Cotroneo reflected, highlighting Uecker’s dedication to helping others. “His charitable heart for numerous foundations was a model for us all.”
“What I will remember most, and aim to honor in his legacy, is not just the laughter and joy he brought to the airwaves and pop culture, but also the compassion he showed off the mic,” Cotroneo concluded.
