One of professional baseball’s most beloved personalities passed away Thursday morning.
Longtime broadcaster Bob Uecker passed away at the age of 90. It ended one of the most successful runs of any sportscaster in the history of sports within the United States.
Uecker was the Milwaukee Brewers’ primary broadcaster for 54 years, starting in 1971 after his playing career ended. A bit atypical for most broadcasters, Uecker approached the job with humor and visible joy. The unique perspective was fortified by the fact Uecker had played parts of five seasons in the Major Leagues himself.
Hailing from the state of Wisconsin, he was born and raised in Milwaukee. He ended up signing a deal with the Brewers as a catcher — making his professional debut in 1962. He then featured for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves until his career ended in 1967. He was a member of the World Series-winning Cardinals in 1964.
While many in Milwaukee associate him through and through with the Brewers, casual baseball fans know him from an underrated acting career.
For years, Uecker would be in Miller Liter commercials (a brand associated with the Brewers). He was a sportswriter on the fun sitcom Mr. Belvedere. He also appeared in a host of other shows in guest-starring roles as an actual actor and as a voice-over personality.
However, he’s widely known most for his role as the wisecracking sarcastic commentator Harry Doyle in the Major League trilogy.
Forever will the sports of baseball associate the “Juuuuuust a bit outside!” call with Uecker.
