Tribute to Bob Uecker

Bob Uecker, who died on Jan. 15, 2025 at age 90, was a former catcher who played for the Braves in Milwaukee and Atlanta, St. Louis Cardinals and the Phillies (1966-67) during a six-year career in the Majors. In 297 games, he hit .200.

• Phillies Alumni

Mr. Uecker became more popular after he took off the uniform. Poking fun at his playing days led to a career that included movies, his own syndicated television show, commercials, numerous appearances on late night shows and network baseball games as a commentator.

According to one source, he appeared on 100 Tonight Shows with Johnny Carson, who dubbed him “Mr. Baseball.”

A broadcaster with the Milwaukee Brewers, Mr. Uecker completed his 54^th and last season in 2024. Because of his age, he was on the radio for home games only the last few seasons. He was honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame with its 2003 Ford C. Frick Award in recognition of his legendary broadcasting career.

Phillies Career

He came to the Phillies in an Oct. 27, 1965, trade with St. Louis. He, Bill White and Dick Groat for Pat Corrales, Alex Johnson and Art Mahaffey. In his first Phillies season he hit .208 with a career high 43 hits, 7 home runs and 30 RBIs. He wore #9.

Midway through the next season he was traded to Atlanta for C Gene Oliver.

He came back to play in one of the Phillies’ old-timer’s games at Veterans Stadium. I asked him to add a little humor.

When introduced he stumbled out of the first-base dugout and fell flat on his face.

He was one of the nicest people I’ve met in the game. Very down to earth. Always made sure to check in with him when he came to Philly.

At age 90, Mr. Uecker was one of 10 in the Phillies’ Nonagenarians Club. Bobby Shantz is the oldest, 99. Mr. Uecker’s birthday is Jan. 26, 1934; born in Milwaukee.

He made everyone laugh. Only fitting to share some of his humor as a tribute.

“I spent three of the best years of my life in 10th grade.”

"I didn't get a lot of awards as a player. But they did have a Bob Uecker Day Off for me once in Philly."

“I had a great shoe contract and glove contract with a company who paid me a lot of money never to be seen using their stuff.”

“They broke it to me gently. The manager came up to me before a game and told me they didn't allow visitors in the clubhouse.”

"I knew when my career was over. In 1967 my baseball card came out with no picture."

"In 1962, I was named Minor League Player of the Year. It was my second season in the bigs."

"I signed with the Milwaukee Braves for three thousand dollars. That bothered my dad at the time because he didn't have that kind of dough.”

"People don't know this, but I helped the Cardinals win the pennant in 1967. I came down with hepatitis. The trainer injected me with it."

"The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up."

“When I came up to bat with three men on and two outs in the ninth, I looked in the other team's dugout and they were already in street clothes.”

"They said I was such a great prospect that they were sending me to a winter league to sharpen up. When I stepped off the plane, I was in Greenland."

“I think my top salary was maybe in 1966. I made $17,000 and 11 of that came from selling other players' equipment.”

“I had a .200 lifetime batting average in the Major Leagues, which tied me with another sports great averaging 200 or better for a 10-year period: Don Carter, one of our top bowlers.”

“I knew when my time was up in Philly. After not playing for five straight days, I decided to relax by listening to the radio while in the whirlpool postgame. The trainer walked by and threw the radio in the whirlpool.”

The Brewers’ statement said it best,

“Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and storytelling, so it is no surprise that his passing now leaves us at a loss for our own words.

“There is no describing the impact Ueck had on so many, and no words for how much he was loved. We are left with a giant void in our hearts, but also remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives.”

R.I.P. Mr. Baseball.