A Look Back At The Great Bob Uecker!
Story by Mitchell Smith
Hello everybody, today I’m taking a look at the life and the legacy of the great Bob Uecker who passed away January 16th 2025 at the age of 90. Uecker was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He loved his home town and would take advantage of all his opportunities close to home. Uecker spent a good amount of time on the baseball diamond mostly as a back up catcher. He had stints with minor league clubs such as the Boise Braves and the Eau Claire Bears.
In 1962 the Milwaukee Braves brought him up to the big leagues to back up catcher Joe Torre. He won a World Series with St Louis in 1964 and finished his career as a player with the Braves who had relocated to Atlanta. Now one may, or may not wonder about all those years playing catcher, especially during his time behind the plate. A catcher at the Major League level would have to be quick thinking and witty, so he could Raz the batters. After retiring from baseball Uecker took his wit and humor into the broadcasting booth. Among these traits he had a voice, a voice that would soon become the announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers. Getting back to his hometown Uecker started a career that would become the second longest stretch announcing the same team only behind Denny Matthews of the KC Royals.
Uecker of course was the announcer in the movie “Major League” and had the infamous catch phrase “Juuust a bit outside”, as Wild Thing tossed a ball 6 feet off the plate. In a recent interview with Jim Nantz, he explains how quick and sharpe Uecker was with comebacks. He was always fun to work with and added humor and excitement to the game. Along with baseball Uecker was the honored guest and ring announcer for WrestleMania III and announced the main event Hulk Hogan vs Andrea the Giant in 1987. There are so many great moments and his legacy will forever be etched into major sports and Hollywood history. He will be missed by so many he touched over his 90 years. Rest In Peace Mr. Bob Uecker.
