Baseball legend, ‘Major League’ star passes away at the age of 90

Sad news from the world of sports today, as baseball icon Bob Uecker has passed away.

The longtime voice of the Milwaukee Brewers was 90 years old.

News of Uecker’s death comes courtesy of the Brewers organization, which shared the sad news with fans earlier today.

Former Major League Baseball player Bob Uecker waves to fans as he heads to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Philadelphia Phillies play against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the NLDS during the 2008 MLB playoffs at Miller Park on October . 4, 2008 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ben Schmitt/Pool-Getty Images)

“Yuk was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack to our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss,” the team said in a statement.

“He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; Her presence warmed every room and she had a way of welcoming us all into her world as if we were lifelong friends.

Cause of death of Bob Uecker

According to a report of Yahoo! the news Uecker’s family revealed that he had been battling non-small cell lung cancer for several years.

TV personality Bob Uecker attends the Safe at Home Foundation third annual event to help end domestic violence on November 18, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

Uecker was born in Milwaukee in 1934, and may have represented the city more fully than any other famous resident.

After beginning his baseball career as a catcher for the Brewers’ minor league farm team, Uecker made his MLB debut with the team in 1962.

He played for several teams, winning the World Series in 1964 with the Cardinals.

Milwaukee Brewers radio announcer Bob Uecker throws out the ceremonial first pitch before game one of the Wild Card Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 03, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacey Revere/Getty Images)

A legend in the booth

But it was his career as a broadcaster that catapulted Uecker to the status of a baseball legend.

Yuek’s charm and sense of humor were such that he soon became famous outside of the Milwaukee area, landing acting roles in films such as Charlie Sheen Comedy Major League And its sequel (in which he played a baseball announcer, of course).

He also portrayed a sportswriter on the sitcom Mr. Belvederewhich lasted from 1985 to 1990.

Broadcaster Bob Uecker speaks to the crowd before a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field on August 05, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacey Revere/Getty Images)

But while he achieved national fame early in his broadcasting career and eventually became a popular character actor in Hollywood, Bob’s heart was always in Milwaukee — and the baseball diamond.

He called his first game for the Brewers in 1971, and even after reducing his workload in 2014, he continued to call the team’s home games until 2024.

He will be greatly missed by many within the organization and in the baseball world.

Our thoughts go out to the Uecker family during this difficult time.