Legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker received a warm welcome from Milwaukee Brewers fans during the team’s home opener on Tuesday. At 90 years old, Uecker has been a fixture in broadcasting Brewers baseball for 54 seasons, although he has limited his workload to home games in recent years. Brewers officials have been cautious about Uecker’s workload for the rest of the year, with principal owner Mark Attanasio noting that Uecker is focused on maintaining a high level of performance in the broadcast booth.
Despite concerns about his workload, Uecker was back at the ballpark handling play-by-play on the radio broadcast for the Brewers’ game against the Minnesota Twins. Attanasio and Brewers president of business operations Rick Schlesinger have stressed that Uecker will take things one day at a time after the home opener. Uecker has been a beloved figure in Milwaukee sports, regularly making appearances on the field and in the locker room to interact with players and coaches.
Christian Yelich, the Brewers outfielder and 2018 NL MVP, expressed the team’s appreciation for Uecker’s presence and influence. Yelich described Uecker as a baseball legend and a Brewer legend, highlighting the positive impact he has on the team both on and off the field. Uecker’s humor and personality have endeared him to both fans and players, making his absence unimaginable for many in the Brewers community.
Uecker’s career extends beyond his time as a player in the majors, as he became a national celebrity through his work as a color commentator for ABC and NBC baseball telecasts. His appearances in late-night talk shows, beer commercials, and the movie “Major League” further solidified his iconic status. Uecker is particularly well-known in Milwaukee, where he has become synonymous with Brewers baseball, and his contributions to the sport have been recognized with two statues and various honors.
Attanasio emphasized Uecker’s exceptional skills as a broadcaster, noting that he is in the Hall of Fame for a reason. Despite Uecker’s advanced age, his voice remains strong, and Attanasio trusts him to handle the broadcast in his own way. Uecker’s presence in the broadcast booth is essential for Brewers fans and players alike, with Yelich expressing excitement at seeing him back at the ballpark. As Uecker continues to navigate his broadcasting responsibilities, the Brewers community remains grateful for his enduring legacy and contributions to the team.
