It was a celebration fit for a living legend. The Milwaukee Brewers’ home opener on Tuesday was seasoned with the jubilant chants of “Ueck” that ripped through American Family Field as Bob Uecker, affectionately known as “Mr. Baseball,” graced their video display. A thunderous ovation painted a clear picture – Brewers fans cherish their iconic radio broadcaster. Yet lingering beneath that revelry was an unspoken question of how many such occasions they’d have to hail their beloved figure in the future.
The renowned 90-year-old Uecker returned to the hallowed ballpark, executing the play-by-play for Milwaukee’s big game against the Minnesota Twins on radio. Uncertainty though reigns regarding Uecker’s workload as the seasons unfolds; an uncertainty that team officials have not dispelled.
In an impressive testament to longevity, the current season marks Uecker’s 54th tenure as the voice of Brewers baseball. However, he has chosen to limit his commitments to home games over the past few years.
Brewers principal owner, Mark Attanasio, underlined Uecker’s determination to maintain an unparalleled standard in his broadcasting duties. He shared that Uecker isn’t one for occupying the booth just for the sake of it. In fact, the legendary announcer bristles at the idea of streaming the play-by-play for fewer than nine innings or even at the prospect of swapping roles with co-announcer Jeff Levering. His intent, it appears, is to live up to his illustrious title and go about his duties as only he can.
Attanasio’s words mirror a previous statement by Brewers president of business operations Rick Schlesinger, who acknowledged that after Tuesday’s match, Uecker would be adopting a “day-by-day” approach.
Since 1971, Uecker’s rich baritone has been synonymous with Brewers baseball. Beyond his announcing duties, he is a familiar figure on the field and in the locker room, sharing candid moments with players and coaches alike. His memorable involvement in the locker-room celebration last year when the Brewers clinched their NL Central title underscored his immeasurable value to the team.
And his presence is not lost on the players, either. Outfielder and 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich spoke of the brightening effect Uecker has, be it through text or in-person talks at the ballpark, on the entire team. His place amongst the greats of the game and as a Brewers legend is undisputed.
While his major league playing career spanned from 1962-67, across the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies, Uecker’s celebrity status truly ignited post-retirement. He served as a national color commentator for ABC and NBC baseball broadcasts, made memorable guest appearances on late-night talk shows, starred in beer commercials, the movie “Major League,” and even had his stint on TV with the ABC sitcom “Mr. Belvedere.”
Uecker’s self-deprecating humor, focussed on his own playing career, has been a consistent source of amusement. He humorously hinted at his humble beginnings in Major League Baseball, noting he started his career in what is now the site of Helfaer Field, a youth baseball venue.
Uecker’s indelible mark on the city of Milwaukee and Brewers baseball resonates with Attanasio citing Uecker and Hall of Famer Robin Yount were the first two people he contacted after buying the Brewers. Despite the speculation swirling around Uecker’s future role, Attanasio emphasizes Uecker’s continued excellence at his craft and praises his enduring vigor.
The team has paid tribute to Uecker with two statues; one standing proud outside American Family Field, and the other taking a spot in the terrace level’s back row, harking back to an old Miller Lite commercial where Uecker quipped: “I must be in the front row!” as he was shepherded to the back of a stadium.
The sight of Uecker behind the microphone is so customary that Brewers fans and players alike struggle to envision a season without him. For now, it’s about savoring the gravity of Uecker’s influence on baseball and the joy of having him back at the ballpark.
