Bob Uecker: The Voice of Wisconsin Summers Leaves a Legacy in 2025

For Wisconsinites, the arrival of spring was marked by melting snow, spotting the first robin, and the unmistakable voice of Bob Uecker broadcasting Milwaukee Brewers baseball.

Sadly, on January 16, 2025, Bob Uecker, affectionately known as “Mr. Baseball,” passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a 54-year legacy as the voice of the Brewers.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Uecker began his broadcasting career with the Brewers in 1971, becoming a cherished part of Wisconsin summers for generations.

While his national fame included appearances on The Tonight Show, starring in the sitcom Mr. Belvedere, the Major League movie series, and Miller Lite commercials, his true legacy lies in his role as a storyteller for baseball fans.

A Childhood Accompanied by Uecker’s VoiceGrowing up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, during the 1970s and 1980s, I fondly recall sneaking a transistor radio under my blanket to catch Uecker’s commentary on WTMJ Radio.

Before cable and streaming services, Uecker painted vivid images of the Brewers’ games for listeners like me.

One unforgettable memory was listening to the Brewers’ Opening Day in 1980 as a fifth-grader, when Sixto Lezcano’s grand slam sealed a win. Moments like these, narrated by Uecker, cemented my love for baseball.

Uecker’s Evolution and InfluenceOver the years, Uecker’s humor and insights brought the Brewers’ biggest moments to life.

From Dale Sveum’s dramatic Easter Sunday homer in 1987 to Ryan Braun’s 2008 playoff-clinching blast and Nyjer Morgan’s 2011 NLDS-winning hit, Uecker’s voice was synonymous with Brewers’ history.

When the movie Major League premiered in 1989, many outside Wisconsin discovered Uecker’s comedic talent as Harry Doyle. While his “just a bit outside” line became iconic, fans in Wisconsin knew his true brilliance lay in his genuine passion for the game.

A Lifelong Companion for Baseball FansFor decades, Uecker remained a constant presence for Brewers fans, even as his health led him to reduce his workload in recent years.

He rarely traveled for road games and often skipped day games after night contests, but his broadcasts remained essential listening.

Personally, Uecker was woven into the fabric of my life. When designing my home, installing a sound system on the patio was non-negotiable – I needed to hear Uecker’s voice during summer evenings. My father and I grew up listening to him, and I’m grateful my son experienced a piece of his legacy.