‘Mr Baseball’ Bob Uecker dies at 90
Bob Uecker popularly known as 'Mr Baseball', Brewers announcer for over half a century, had battled small cell lung cancer since early 2023 has died
Milwaukee: Bob Uecker, who parlayed a forgettable playing career into a punch line for movie and TV appearances as “Mr Baseball” and a Hall of Fame broadcasting tenure, has died. He was 90.
The Milwaukee Brewers, whose games Uecker had broadcast for over half a century, announced his death on Thursday morning while calling it “one of the most difficult days in Milwaukee Brewers history.” In a statement released by the club, Uecker’s family said he had battled small cell lung cancer since early 2023.
“Bob was the genuine item: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our national pastime,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“We are grateful for this baseball life like no other, and we will never forget him.”Uecker was best known as a colourful comedian and broadcaster whose sense of humor and self-deprecating style earned him fame and affection beyond his 200 batting average. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Uecker was a beloved member of the community and a pillar of the sport.
He broadcast Brewers games for the last 54 seasons. “George Steinbrenner tried to hire him, I think more than once,” Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio said of the longtime New York Yankees owner.
“He could have left for an acting career. He could have left for a comedy career. … He was a Wisconsin guy. He was true blue to Wisconsin.” As news of Uecker’s death spread, numerous fans converged at his statue outside American Family Field. They paid their respects by leaving flowers, Brewers caps and even cans of the Miller Lite beer he endorsed at the base of the statue.
