Milwaukee Brewers celebrate Bob Uecker’s legacy

“This will be a special day. That struck me – Bob Uecker was a part of their lives as a kid, and they’re 60, 70 years old, here to celebrate him. That was kind of telling. We think we’re rock stars here – some of us more than others – but he was a truly a spectacle here,” Woodruff remarked, via McCalvy.

Uecker passed away from small cell lung cancer on Jan. 16, only ten days before his 91st birthday. A Milwaukee native, he played for the Braves while they were still in the city before moving into the Brewers’ radio booth in 1971. He went on to serve as the team’s voice through the 2024 season.

Bob Uecker with the Brewers

The Brewers legend was more than a broadcaster; he was a beloved comedian, actor, and cultural icon who left a lasting impact on generations across Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. Honoring a figure of his stature could only be done properly at the ballpark he called a second home and in front of the fans who cherished him.

The Brewers chose a matinee against the San Francisco Giants as the perfect stage for the tribute. Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Costas hosted an emotional hour-long program on the field, featuring four video segments that walked through Uecker’s life. The clips traced his story from first to second to third and finally home, celebrating some of his greatest and most unforgettable moments.

The most emotional moment came at the end, when Uecker’s family gathered on the mound for a ceremonial first pitch from Bob Uecker Jr. to Robin Yount. The entire Brewers team, wearing special one-day jerseys with “Ueck” in place of their names, joined in to shake hands, share hugs, and show their support. The crowd rose to its feet, and many in the ballpark were moved to tears.

Uecker called his last game in October during Game 3 of the National League Wild Card series, which ended in heartbreak when Devin Williams surrendered a game-winning homer to Pete Alonso. Now the Brewers are playing at an even higher level than in 2024, giving themselves as strong a shot at the pennant as any team. They are making the push in Ueck’s honor, a tribute they put on full display Sunday.