Bob Uecker Family and Former Milwaukee Brewers Owner Bud Selig Statements on Uecker Passing

Bob Uecker entertained us all for over half a century. He put his heart and soul into his work. And breathed baseball with every part of his being. On Thursday, it was announced that Mr. Baseball, as he also was affectionately known, had passed at the age of 90. Uecker, the backup catcher turned Hollywood star, and the legendary radio voice of his hometown Brewers for more than five decades, died early Thursday after a private, multiyear battle with cancer. Bob Uecker’s family and former Milwaukee Brewers owner Bud Selig released statements on Uecker’s passing.

A little before 8AM, Uecker’s family publicly released a declaration about their dearly loved Bob. They state,

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

Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he met with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter.

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. 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.

We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time as we grieve and celebrate the man we were so lucky to call ours.”

Born in Milwaukee and a graduate of Boys Tech High School, Uecker signed his first professional contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956 and made his major-league debut for them in 1962.

He played the game as a catcher, Uecker went on to play 297 games over a six-year career. Also suiting up for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves before calling it quits after the 1967 season at age 33.

Uecker began his broadcasting career in 1969 with a two-year run in the booth with the Braves before returning home and starting his legendary run in 1971 with the Brewers. Along the way, Uecker also called national games on multiple networks from the 1970s into the 1990s.

Bob Uecker Family and Former Milwaukee Brewers Owner Bud Selig Statements on Uecker Passing

All Thursday, many figures came together to talk about Bob. Including a former MLB franchise owner. In 1970, Bud Selig purchased the bankrupt Seattle Pilots franchise, moving them to his hometown and officially renaming the team the Brewers.

He paid a little more than $10 million. Some three decades later the Brewers were purchased for $223 million from the family of MLB commissioner Bud Selig, coming to the agreement in 2004. The sale went through in January 2005. Recently, Forbes estimated that the Brewers are worth $1.2 billion, ranked 24th in the league in worth.

Bud Selig took a moment to share a few thoughts and expressions about his longtime friend. And the historic Brewers impact that Uecker leaves behind. Selig says,

“I am heartbroken with the loss of my dear lifelong friend, Bob Uecker.

I can’t begin to describe how much he meant to me, let alone what this loss is for Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin and countless others worldwide.

Bob had the easiest way of making others feel at ease, share a laugh and always left people feeling a little better. Nobody was his equal.

I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship was a constant presence throughout most of my life. For over fifty years, rarely did a day pass where we missed a conversation, a sharing of stories, and countless laughs. That cannot be replaced and is a giant loss, but I am lucky to have experienced that kind of enduring friendship.

Sue and are thinking of Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr. and all of Bob’s family during what is a difficult time for all of us.”

Bob Uecker Gone at 90

Besides giving us some of the best sports movie lines in history; Uecker also leaves us with some pretty epic MLB stats. Although he was only a .200 hitter, Bob could lay claim to having homered off three eventual Hall of Fame pitchers in: Sandy Koufax, Ferguson Jenkins and Gaylord Perry. Additionally, most likely his crowning achievement as a player was earning a World Series ring in 1964 with the Cardinals.

Whether as a player, broadcaster, actor or comedian; Uecker left an undeniable mark on us all. He never left anyone who got to chance to meet him feeling as though they were “just a bit outside.” No, he welcomed any and everyone; a real gem of a person.

Saying goodbye is never easy, and this is a tough one. Bob was one of the best to ever do it. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends.

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