Bob Uecker, the iconic Hall of Fame baseball announcer and beloved actor known for his roles on Mr. Belvedere and in Major League, has passed away at the age of 90. Uecker had been battling small cell lung cancer since his diagnosis in 2023.
The Milwaukee Brewers, where Uecker served as the play-by-play radio announcer for over five decades, paid tribute to him in a heartfelt statement: "Today we bear the heaviest of hearts. We say goodbye to our dear friend, Bob Uecker. He was the heart and soul of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, and the source of so much joy. His passing leaves a tremendous void, but we will forever remember the laughter and happiness he brought into our lives."
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Uecker played catcher in the major leagues, earning a World Series ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. After retiring as a player, Uecker transitioned to broadcasting, joining the Brewers as their radio announcer in 1971. He went on to call games for the team for an astonishing 54 years, earning induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2001 and receiving the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Known for his sharp wit and humor, Uecker also became a household name outside of baseball. He starred in a series of memorable Miller Lite commercials in the 1980s and made numerous appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. In 1985, Uecker took on the role of George Owens, the lovable sportswriter and father on the ABC sitcom Mr. Belvedere, which ran for six seasons.
In 1989, Uecker brought to life the character of Harry Doyle, the Cleveland Indians’ announcer, in the hit baseball film Major League. His portrayal of Doyle, including the famous catchphrase “Juuuuuust a bit outside” when calling a wild pitch from Charlie Sheen’s Ricky Vaughn, became legendary. Uecker reprised the role in two sequels, cementing his place in both baseball and pop culture.
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