Longtime Milwaukee Brewers play-by-play broadcaster Bob Uecker passed away Thursday, January 16, at 90 years old, just ten days before his 91st birthday.
The esteemed broadcaster’s unique voice on the radio led to numerous unforgettable calls, analogies, and moments that extended beyond his tenure with the Brewers. Uecker entertained fans in the booth, but also found success on the diamond as a member of the world champion 1964 St. Louis Cardinals and the silver screen, having starred in numerous Hollywood films.
‘While this onetime backup catcher was known for his self-deprecating style, Bob Uecker was one of the game’s most beloved figures throughout his 70-year career in baseball,’ MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement Thursday.
It was Uecker’s style and wit that captivated audiences wherever he went. He demanded fans’ attention, offering unique dialogue and enthusiasm that would be difficult to find in even the most die hard fans. That level of passion led to some of the most iconic lines in the history of baseball. Here are our favorites.
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‘Juuuuuuuuuuuust a bit outside’ – Major League
One of Uecker’s most memorable roles in Hollywood was as Cleveland Indians’ broadcaster Harry Doyle. Uecker’s delivery led to numerous hysterical moments such as ‘Don’t worry, noboby’s listening anyway’ in order to justify swearing on the air and ‘He’s not the best color man in the league for nothing, folks’ after tossing to his broadcasting partner who had nothing to add.
However, those moments pale in comparison to Uecker’s now iconic ‘Juuuuuuuust a bit outside’ in reference to Charlie Sheen’s character, Ricky Vaughn’s, lack of control on the mound.
Of course, the Cleveland ball club eventually turned things around in the film, leading to another incredible moment of passion that only Uecker could provide.
‘The easiest way to catch a knuckleball was to wait until it stopped rolling and just pick it up’ – in reference to teammate Phil Niekro
Before Uecker became a broadcaster, he was a backup catcher for the Braves, Cardinals, and Phillies. During his tenure, Uecker was the backstop for one of baseball’s most prestigious knuckleballers, Phil Niekro.
Uecker was not shy in explaining the difficulty involved in catching a knuckleball. On Niekro’s Hall of Fame page, Uecker is quoted saying he ‘got to meet a lot of important people. They all sit behind home plate.’
While it may have been tough for Uecker to catch knuckleballs, he was certainly the man for the job. His presence behind home plate was likely a big help to Niekro’s career. Niekro was just 28 years old when Uecker joined the Braves, and with Uecker behind the plate, Niekro’s ERA dropped from 4.11 in 1966 to a league-best 1.87 in 1967.
‘I’d set records that will never be equaled, 90% I hope are never printed’ – Uecker’s Hall of Fame speech
Uecker may be in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but it certainly isn’t for his playing career. Uecker was a career .200 hitter, known more for his shenanigans on the field than his play – although he did hit home runs off Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax, Gaylord Perry, and Ferguson Jenkins.
Still, during his Hall of Fame speech, Uecker did not shy away from his subpar playing career. He jested about players getting brand deals, claiming that he’d received several of his own, from brands asking that he never be seen wearing their gear. He also poked fun at his batting average, pointing out that some of the best bowlers in the world were averaging 200’s as well.
‘How about getting your foot off my shoulder?’ – Uecker to Andre the Giant at WrestleMania IV
Outside of baseball, Uecker made a few appearances as a ringside announcer for WWF (now WWE). At WrestleMania III, Uecker played a pivotal role in the event, which led to him being called back a year later to interview Andre the Giant ahead of his headlining match against Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship.
Despite Andre being a full head and a half taller than Uecker, the legendary commentator didn’t hesitate trying to throw a subtle jab at the giant at the end of their interview. Unfortunately for Eucker, this led to him being playfully choked by the wrestler, leading to an incredible television moment for WWF.
