Broadcasting Legend Bob Uecker Passes Away at 90

Bob Uecker, the Hall of Fame play-by-play man of the Milwaukee Brewers who was also known as the announcer in the movie “Major League,” for Miller Lite commercials and a starring role in the 1980s sitcom “Mr. Belvedere,” died Thursday at 90, his family announced.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Bob,” the Uecker family statement read. “To many, he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more.”

The family said Uecker, who was born in Milwaukee in 1934, privately battled small cell lung cancer since early 2023, but his spirit never waned.

“He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished,” the family said. “While his contributions to the game are noteworthy, it is his kindness, humility and love for family and friends that we will hold closest to our hearts.”

The Brewers, whose games Uecker announced since 1971, issued a statement as well.

“Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss,” the team said. “He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends.”

Uecker, nicknamed Mr. Baseball by late-night host Johnny Carson, whose show he appeared on often, gained nationwide fame in the 1980s from Miller Lite commercials (“I must be in the front row”) and “Major League” (“Juuust a bit outside.”).

He loved to make self-deprecating jokes about his playing career as a backup catcher. He hit exactly .200 over six seasons with the Braves, Cardinals, Phillies and Atlanta Braves.

He liked to say that when he signed for $3,000 in 1956 his father was worried because he didn’t have the money to pay the Braves. He was concerned that his home run off Sandy Koufax would keep the legendary lefty out of the Hall of Fame. He said the best way to catch Phil Niekro‘s knuckleball was to “wait until it stopped rolling and just pick it up.”

Uecker played a sportswriter and father on the sitcom “Mr. Belvedere” from 1985-1990, won the Ford Frick Award for broadcasting in 2003 and went into the Hall of Fame as a broadcaster. He won Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year five times. He is in the Brewers’ Ring of Honor.

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