Summers in Wisconsin will never be the same.
Bob Uecker, a name synonymous with baseball, humor, and, above all, Milwaukee, left an indelible mark on both the sport and the city he called home. Born in Milwaukee on January 26, 1934, Uecker’s journey from a local boy with dreams of baseball glory to becoming a cherished icon of the city is a tale of perseverance, humor, and an undying love for his hometown.
The Milwaukee Brewers announced Uecker’s death this morning.
Uecker’s journey was quintessentially local, from his early days watching the Milwaukee Braves at Borchert Field to his later years as the cherished voice of the Milwaukee Brewers. His professional baseball career began in his hometown when he signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956. Though his playing days were modest, retiring in 1967 with a .200 batting average, it was Uecker’s return to Milwaukee in 1971 as a broadcaster for the Brewers that truly defined his career.
After retiring from playing in 1967, Uecker’s heart brought him back to Milwaukee where he joined the Milwaukee Brewers’ broadcast team, a role he would hold for over five decades, becoming the voice of the Brewers. His self-deprecating humor and genuine love for the game turned him into an instant fan favorite. Uecker’s distinctive voice and catchphrases like “Get up! Get up! Get outta here! Gone!” for home runs became part of the Brewers’ identity, resonating with fans not just in Milwaukee but across the nation. His work with the Brewers is not just a job but a lifelong commitment, making him a living emblem of Milwaukee’s baseball culture.
Uecker, whose voice was as much a part of summer in Milwaukee as beer, brats, Summerfest and the warmth of the sun at American Family Field, leaves behind a legacy that intertwines the sport of baseball, the entertainment world and the heart of Wisconsin’s largest city.
Uecker’s broadcasting style was unique, his infectious enthusiasm made listening to a Brewers game more than just following scores—it was an experience. Over more than half a century his voice was synonymous with Brewers baseball, earning him the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 in recognition of his broadcasting excellence.
But Uecker was more than just baseball to Milwaukee. His involvement in community initiatives like the “Uecker Ride for the Arts” showcased his commitment to the city’s cultural scene. His humor and personality reached beyond the sports world, making appearances on “The Tonight Show,” staring in the sitcom “Mr. Belvedere,” and in films like “Major League,” where he portrayed the memorable announcer Harry Doyle. Yet, despite opportunities to move to larger markets, Uecker’s loyalty to Milwaukee was unshakeable, choosing to stay and become an emblem of the city’s spirit.
The Brewers honored Uecker’s dedication with not one but two statues at American Family Field, one celebrating his broadcasting career, and another playfully acknowledging the “Uecker Seats,” a nod to one of his most memorable Miller Lite commercials.
His contributions were not just in entertainment; Uecker was a figure who connected generations of Wisconsinites through the shared love of baseball, laughter, and community. If you heard his voice doing a commercial during a Brewers Broadcast, there’s a good chance his compensation was in the form of a charitable donation from the sponsor on Uecker’s behalf.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue through the echoes of his voice in the memories of those who grew up with Brewers baseball.
Bob Uecker is survived by his family, including his children and grandchildren.
He is further survived by tens of millions of fans who, as he did, love the game of baseball.
Godspeed and Rest in Peace, Mister Baseball.
Summers here will never be the same.
Uecker’s Hall of Fame Induction Speech
1.16.25
