Reactions to long-standing death Bob Uecker, Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster:
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“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Bob. To many he was a presenter and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended gaming, but to us he was so much more. Bob has faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he has faced with the same strength and resilience that has defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to waver. He brought joy to countless listeners with his wit, charisma and love for baseball, Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished. While his contributions to the game are remarkable, it is his kindness, humility and love for his family and friends that will mean the most to us. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time as we mourn and celebrate the man we were lucky enough to call our own. — Bob Uecker’s family
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“Today we shoulder the heaviest burdens. Today we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker. Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack to our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming us all into his world as if we were friends for life. Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. It was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and stories, so it is no surprise that his passing now leaves us speechless. There is no description of the impact Ueck had on so many, and no words to say how loved he was. We are left with a giant hole in our hearts, but we also remember the laughter and joy he brought into our lives over the years. — Milwaukee Brewers
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“I am heartbroken over the loss of my dear, lifelong friend, Bob Uecker. I can’t begin to describe how much he meant to me, let alone what this loss means to Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin and countless others around the world. Bob had the easiest way of putting others at ease, sharing a laugh and always leaving people feeling a little better. No one was his equal. I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship has been a constant presence throughout my life. For over fifty years, rarely a day went by when we missed a conversation, a sharing of stories, and countless laughs. It cannot be replaced and is a huge loss, but I am lucky to have experienced this kind of lasting friendship. Sue and I are thinking of Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr., and all of Bob’s family during this difficult time for us all. — MLB Commissioner Emeritus and former Brewers owner Selig bud
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“Although this former backup catcher was known for his self-deprecating style, Bob Uecker was one of the game’s most beloved figures throughout his 70-year baseball career. During his six years living in his hometown of Milwaukee as well as St. Louis, Philadelphia and Atlanta, Bob formed lasting friendships with many Hall of Famers and other stars of the ’60s, and he was a member of the 1964 World Series champion Cardinals. Early in his remarkable 54-year career in the Brewers radio booth, Bob’s trademark wit became a staple of television and film. Despite his considerable success in Hollywood, Bob remained fiercely loyal to baseball and Milwaukee. He loved the game and used his platform to help many charitable causes in his hometown and beyond.
“Bob was the real thing: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our national pastime. We are grateful for this baseball life like no other and we will never forget it. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Bob’s family, his many friends throughout the game, Brewers fans and the countless baseball fans who admired him. — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred
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“No words will really do you justice, but I think that’s the way it should be. To say you were part of it is probably an understatement, considering the stories you could tell, the life you lived, and the way you influenced people. I always enjoyed our time together and just being able to listen to you talk about your life and everything you had seen. I remember you saying that no matter how much time you have, it never seems enough and that seems quite true today. You would always thank me for my friendship but the truth is that the pleasure was all mine. I will miss you my friend. — Milwaukee Brewers outfielder and 2018 NL MVP Christian Yélich
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“George Steinbrenner tried to hire him, I think more than once. He could have gone for a career as an actor. He could have left for a career as an actor. … He was a Wisconsin guy. He was a true blue for Wisconsin. — Mark Attanasio, principal owner of the Milwaukee Brewers
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“His infectious energy and personality was so unique – his ability to read a room, to light up a room, to tell a story. The comedic timing is obviously well documented, but it’s hard to express the amount of joy he has brought to each of our lives, whether through a handshake, a hug, a nickname, a story or a joke. He brought me this energy every day for the more than 20 years that I have known him. – former Brewers slugger and 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun
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“When he walked in the door, a lot of the time the guys would stop what they were doing and wait for him to come back, because every time he comes in he goes around the room making sure to say hello to everyone. No matter if it was the guy who was just called or whatever, he knew their name, he knew everything about them I think that kind of shows who he was. ‘he enters the room, you stop this that you were doing and you just enjoy having a conversation with him — Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff.
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“In every moment of exhilaration, there was no one better than Bob Uecker. In every difficult moment, there was no one whose arm around the shoulder and uplifting words meant more than those of Bob Uecker. Today we lost an absolute legend and a precious human being. RIP Bob. — Cincinnati Reds pitcher and former Brewers pitcher Brent Suter
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“I just saw Bob and Judy three weeks ago at their home in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. I knew he was sick, which made this visit even more important to me. Even with a walker and on painkillers, he would make jokes and make me laugh. I will always cherish the memories of ‘Mr. Belvedere’ – there were so many. Bob was the glue that held us together and kept us grounded. He never took anything too seriously, and his #1 the goal has always been to make us laugh. — Tracy (Wells) Tofte, who appeared alongside Uecker in the 1980s sitcom “Mr. Belvedere”
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“The city is extremely saddened by the news of Bob Uecker’s passing. Bob was Milwaukee baseball. His hilarious self-deprecation pleased fans of baseball, television sitcoms and national talk shows. He loved baseball, the Brewers and Milwaukee. — Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee
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“He was the best. Every conversation I had with him ended with laughter and a smile, but that doesn’t take into account what a warm and wonderful person he was. As authentic as possible. It was an absolute privilege to have known him. RIP, my friend. — New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose
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“The Bob you saw on the air was the Bob I saw on the air. That’s who he was. Just a little smirk and you knew the line was coming. Nobody could do it like Bob. …I think there’s no better example than his Hall of Fame speech, which is as funny as “Airplane” or “Spinal Tap.” In every line, there is comedy and I don’t think he had a script in front of him. He knew all the material and he went on for an hour, and it was probably the greatest Hall of Fame speech ever given. – Len Kasper, Chicago White Sox radio announcer, who appeared on Brewers broadcasts from 1999 to 2001.
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“Bob Uecker lived baseball, loved his Brewers and made someone smile every chance he got. He often visited our booth and invited us to his house for stories. Authenticity illustrated. The game is so much better because of him and changed forever without him. A handsome man. — ESPN baseball broadcaster Karl Ravech
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“It’s impossible to grasp what he meant to us. Stupidly, I let myself believe that he was immortal. Yet, I never took it for granted. How could you? Out of everything he was, I’m just happy I got to call him “friend.” Rest easy, Ueck. Your legacy will stay forever. — Brewers broadcaster Track grindle
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