Beloved Milwaukee Brewers play-by-play announcer Bob Uecker sadly passed away on January 16 at the age of 90, just days before his 91st birthday. Uecker’s distinctive voice and entertaining broadcast style endeared him to fans, not only during his time with the Brewers but also through his roles in baseball and Hollywood. Remembered for his self-deprecating humor and passion for the game, Uecker’s impact on baseball spans over seven decades.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred paid tribute to Uecker’s legacy, highlighting his contributions as a radio announcer, former Major League catcher, and actor. Uecker’s charm and wit captivated audiences, with his iconic catchphrases becoming ingrained in baseball lore. Notable moments include his famous line, “Juuuuuuuuuuuust a bit outside,” from the movie “Major League,” where he played the role of Indians’ broadcaster Harry Doyle.
Before his broadcasting career, Uecker played as a backup catcher for several teams, including the Braves, Cardinals, and Phillies. His experience catching for knuckleballer Phil Niekro led to humorous insights, such as his quip that the best way to catch a knuckleball was to wait for it to stop rolling. Despite his modest playing stats, Uecker’s presence behind the plate had a positive impact on Niekro’s performance, showcasing his value to the team beyond the box score.
Acknowledging his unconventional path to the Hall of Fame, Uecker humorously remarked during his induction speech that he had set records unlikely to be matched, with many best left unmentioned. His induction honored his lasting impact on the sport and his ability to entertain and inspire fans throughout his storied career.
Uecker did not shy away from acknowledging his less-than-stellar playing career. He humorously remarked about players securing lucrative endorsement deals, joking that he had received offers of his own from brands requesting that he refrain from wearing their gear. He also playfully poked fun at his batting average, noting that even some of the top bowlers globally were averaging in the 200s as well.
One memorable incident involving Uecker occurred at WrestleMania IV when he quipped to the towering Andre the Giant, “How about getting your foot off my shoulder?” This light-hearted interaction showcased Uecker’s quick wit and ability to engage with larger-than-life personalities.
Beyond his baseball endeavors, Uecker dabbled in the world of professional wrestling, making several appearances as a ringside announcer for the WWF, now known as WWE. His involvement in WrestleMania III was particularly noteworthy, as he played a crucial role in the event. This successful stint led to Uecker being invited back the following year to conduct an interview with Andre the Giant in anticipation of his headline match against Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship.
Despite the stark height difference between Andre and Uecker, the seasoned commentator fearlessly attempted to land a subtle jab at the giant during their interview. This lighthearted banter took an unexpected turn when Andre playfully pretended to choke Uecker, resulting in a memorable and entertaining television moment for WWF.
Throughout his illustrious career, Uecker’s charisma and humor shone through, endearing him to fans across various platforms. His witty remarks and playful interactions not only showcased his entertainment prowess but also highlighted his ability to connect with audiences in diverse settings.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY, featuring some of the best quotes from Bob Uecker’s storied career.
