Bob Uecker, MLB legend and ‘Major League’ star, dies at 90

Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster and legendary figure in Major League Baseball Bob Uecker has passed away at the age of 90. The team announced his passing on social media.

Uecker was a native of Milwaukee who would sign with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956. Eventually, he would make his MLB debut in 1962 and played as a backup catcher through 1967 for the Braves, Cardinals, and Phillies. It was after his retirement when Uecker would begin broadcasting and he took over the radio broadcasts for the Brewers in 1971.

“Today we take on the heaviest of burdens,” the Brewers wrote. “Today, we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker.”

Uecker held onto his role, broadcasting for the Brewers through the 2024 season, becoming a legend in the process. Along the way, he earned several honors, including the Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor, the American Family Field Walk of Fame, and the Ford C. Frick Award. The Ford C. Frick Award is given by the MLB Hall of Fame for a broadcaster who has made major contributions to baseball. He is also, unsurprisingly in the MLB Hall of Fame itself.

“Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss. 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. Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and storytelling, so it was no surprise that his passing now leaves us at a loss for our own words,” the statement continued.

“There is no describing the impact Ueck had on so many, and no words for how much he was loved. We are left with a giant void in our hearts but also remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives.”

For many baseball fans outside of Milwaukee, Bob Uecker became a broadcaster they recognized through his work in the movie Major League. He played the role of a sarcastic broadcaster for Cleveland in the movie, showing his comedic chops. He is perhaps best known in that movie for his line, “Just a bit outside,” to a pitch early in the season.

In 2014, Uecker cut down on how many games he was calling and travel due to his health. In 2021, he would sign his first contract with the team, after previously only operating on handshake agreements.

Bob Uecker is survived by two of his four children.