It's a sad Thursday for Milwaukee and for baseball. Hall of Fame broadcaster and player, as well as the legendary voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, Bob Uecker has passed away at age 90. The Brewers icon began calling games for Milwaukee in 1971, after playing for the Milwaukee Braves in 1962 and 1963, and transcended sports as a television and film star, most notably in the movie "Major League," "Mr. Belvedere," as well as his many appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

A statement from the Brewers organization reads as follows:

“Today, we take on the heaviest of burdens. Today, we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker.

Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of 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 all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends.

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 throughout the years.”

MLB commissioner and Brewers owner Allan H. “Bud” Selig added the following statement: 

“I am heartbroken with 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 is for Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin and countless others worldwide.

Bob had the easiest way of making others feel at ease, share a laugh and always left people feeling a little better. Nobody was his equal.

I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship was a constant presence throughout most of my life. For over fifty years, rarely did a day pass where we missed a conversation, a sharing of stories, and countless laughs. That cannot be replaced and is a giant loss, but I am lucky to have experienced that kind of enduring friendship.

Sue and I are thinking of Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr., and all of Bob’s family during what is a difficult time for all of us.”

Statement from the Uecker family

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Bob. To many, he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more.

Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he met with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter.

He brought joy to countless listeners through 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 noteworthy, it is his kindness, humility, and love for family and friends that we will hold closest to our hearts.

We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time as we grieve and celebrate the man we were so lucky to call ours.”

The Milwaukee Brewers will announce details at a later date for a public celebration of Bob Uecker’s life and unparalleled impact.

From Mayor Cavalier Johnson:

“The city is enormously saddened with news of Bob Uecker’s passing.

Bob was Milwaukee baseball. His laugh-out-loud self-deprecation brought enjoyment for fans of baseball, TV sitcoms, movies, and national talk shows.

Bob was a product of Milwaukee Public Schools, a standout at what was then Boy’s Tech High School. He grew up playing in local leagues before signing with his hometown Braves.

While never an all-star, Bob was a world champ with the Cardinals in 1964.  After baseball he landed a job with the Brewers. He often joked about his short scouting tenure, but that led to the broadcast booth where Bob was, for decades, the voice of baseball in Milwaukee.

Bob could find humor is almost anything – his playing career, his friendships, and even his near-deadly spider bite. His game broadcasts were always entertaining – even when the Brewers were losing badly.

Bob Uecker loved baseball, the Brewers, and Milwaukee, and it’s hard to imagine the coming season without him.”

From Governor Tony Evers:

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of Wisconsin’s own, Mr. Baseball himself, the great Bob Uecker. For more than 50 years, Bob brought the magic of the ballpark to life for so many, and I am sure I speak for Brewers fans everywhere when I say we gladly would have had him for 50 more.

He wasn’t just a comedian and a great announcer—Bob was a man of character and integrity. Throughout his career, he made countless contributions to the history and culture of Major League Baseball, and he was active in giving back to our communities and our state. Boy, we’re going to miss him.

He was beloved, not just in Wisconsin but across the country. He was a giant, and I—like so many other lifelong Brewers fans—will miss hearing his enthusiasm and love for the game and our Brewers on the airwaves. It’s a sad day. Kathy and I are thinking of his family, friends, the Brew Crew, and all those who knew and loved Ueck. He will always be remembered.”

Read our 2002 Milwaukee Talks interview with Mr. Baseball here.

Here are also 17 Facts you may not have known about the legendary Bob Uecker.