Bob Uecker, RIP
“The fact is that Uecker, despite all his self-deprecating talk, was good enough to be a major leaguer, something that 99.99 percent of us will never be.” -Baseball Eccentrics.
The entire baseball world was saddened to learn that “Mr. Baseball,” Bob Uecker, passed away yesterday, January 16, 2025. Bob died at his home in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, aged 90, after a battle with lung cancer.
Bob Uecker, by his own admission – and to put it mildly! – had a rather mediocre six-season major league baseball career mainly as a backup catcher (1962-1967). But his lack luster achievements between the white lines provided plenty of fodder for his unique brand of home-spun, self-deprecating wit. It served up the raw material for Uke’s often-repeated jokes, many of which became humorous staples throughout the baseball world.
Following his playing days, Bob entered into a broadcasting career that spanned 54 seasons. Over his many years in the Brewers radio booth, he evolved into one of baseball’s most beloved personalities. Bob would be the first to admit that his playing skills would never have gotten him into the Hall of Fame; but in 2003, he was a recipient of the Ford Frick Award and now has a plaque in Cooperstown.
Bob Uecker may very well have been the funniest man ever to lace up spikes. He was one of those guys that, no matter what he said, it just cracked you up. So let’s pay a tribute to Uke with a sampling of some of his funniest quips and one-liners. Even if you‘ve heard some of them before, they’re still funny!
(Click on the link to read my entire tribute to Bob Uecker and to see a photo tribute to “Mr. Baseball.” You’ll also see many of Bob’s best quips, a link to his hilarious Miller Lite commercial, and his funny appearance on The Tonight Show:
