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Adam Sandler Saddened By Death Of Legendary Sports Announcer

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 16, 2025 5:57 PM ET

Adam Sandler is one of many baseball fans mourning the loss of Bob Uecker.

Uecker, who played in the majors from 1962-67 as a member of the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies before embarking on a long career as a broadcaster, passed away Thursday at the age of 90. Known for his self-deprecating sense of humor, Uecker's fame increased in the 1980s when he had starring roles in the movie Major League and the television series Mr. Belvedere.

Uecker's family revealed in a statement that he was quietly battling cancer at the time of his death.

"Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he met with the same strength and resilience that defined him," the statement said. "Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter."

After news of Uecker's passing broke earlier today, tributes poured in from all over the sports and entertainment worlds. Sandler shared his in a tweet.

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 03: Milwaukee Brewers play-by-play announcer Bob Uecker stands in the dugout prior to the game between the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Monday, April 3, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jeffrey Phelps/MLB Photos via Getty Images)Jeffrey Phelps/Getty Images

"What a guy! What a great part of our lives! Felt like all our dads' best friend! Love to his family and thanks for all, Bob!" Sandler wrote.

Uecker, who served as a broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers for more than 50 years, has a statue in his honor outside of American Family Field. Fans flocked to it today to pay tribute to his memory.

"No words will really do you justice but I kind of think that’s how it should be," current Brewers star Christian Yelich said in a post on Instagram today. "To say you were one of one is probably an understatement, the stories you could tell, the life you lived and the way you impacted people. I always cherished our time together and just being able to listen to you talk about your life and all you’d seen. I remember you saying that no matter how much time you have it still never feels like enough and that seems pretty true today. You’d always thank me for my friendship but the truth of it is the pleasure was all mine. I’ll miss you my friend."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Uecker family and all whose lives Bob touched during his time on Earth.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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