Longtime Milwaukee Brewers announcer, actor, and former baseball player Bob Uecker passed away today, less than two years after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He was 90 years old and seemed to fill every one of these years with some form of adventure. Often it was related to the national pastime, which is how he earned the nickname “Mr. Baseball.”
More than that, Uecker had a magnetic personality, an undeniable presence in front of the camera, and a disarming self-deprecating humor borne out of a middling few seasons as a catcher in professional baseball. It says a lot about Uecker that, in spite of never hitting above .200 lifetime, he’s one of the most well-known and beloved players of his generation.
Again, it definitely wasn’t for his playing time. He was once asked how to catch a knuckleball and he responded that the easiest way was “to wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up.”
Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s he sometimes seemed like the most famous former athlete of any kind, always on television. He was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, had a featured role in the sitcom Mr. Belvedere, and had a big part in the three Major League films. He was inescapable, though no one with any sense would try to escape him. While all of this was happening he was a broadcaster for the Brewers for over 60 years.
“Bob was the genuine item: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our National Pastime. We are grateful for this baseball life like no other, and we will never forget him,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement.
One of his great contributions was to the world of advertising, giving a series of brands an unimpeachable ambassador who also never cared about making fun of himself. Since this is a car site I’m going to focus mostly on the car ads.
Here’s one for local Milwaukee Buick dealer Ranks & Son, which is quite straightforward:
This is abnormal in that it’s quite normal. Here’s the Miller Light commercial he did around the same time, making fun of his lack of access:
Uecker also did at least three Chevy/Geo commercials in the early ’90s, all playing on the fact that no one wants Bob Uecker’s autograph.
In this commercial, you can get “$1,000 off” a Geo, which is worth more than Bob’s card, as he points out.
The “Son” here is absolutely absurd and delivered perfectly. I love it. See if you recognize the guy in this ad who isn’t a former baseball player:
That’s right, it’s John Michael Higgins!
Eventually, Rank & Son got the message and included a bit more humor in its later ads with Uecker:
Amazing.
RIP to a total legend.
“It’s a real squeaker, and that’s with three Es!”
An absolute king.
Side note: Wally Rank had quite a car collection. Mostly Pre-War if I recall. Met his son at a show and he expressed dislike –preferring Resto Mods.
Whenever I get a good parking spot, I say aloud, “I must be in the front Row!”
One of a kind.
“I know big league deals when I see them!”
“Is that because you’ve been traded so much?”
BRUTALITY
If he’s not spending eternity “in the front row”, it’s a crime.
“Hey, I think it’s easy for guys to hit .300 and stay in the big leagues. Hit .200 and try to stick around as long as I did; I think it’s a much greater accomplishment. That’s hard.”
I mean, I still say it “down in the front roooowwww.”
A great one gone.
RIP Bob, had to rewatch the (not-so-appropriate) stories that Artie Lange and Norm McDonald told about him on Letterman and Stern
RIP to one of the best baseball PBP men in history. His style is so iconic they couldn’t help but use it in the Major League movies.
Also lost this week, on Sunday, was John Kraman of Mecum Auctions. He deserves a writeup on this site. I almost busted out crying listening to Scott Hoke make the announcement yesterday on the Kissimmee telecast.
As a long time Milwaukee resident, this hits close to home. Dude was an absolute legend.
Growing up if we were watching the Brewers on TV, we would turn off the sound and tune in the radio broadcast and listen to Mr. Ueker’s dulcet tones call the game. A total legend.
Did the same for Cubs games for years. Ron and Pat were where it’s at.
The Midwest teams really had the best announcers for a stretch there with Jack Buck down in StL. (Not Joe, to be clear.)
He will fondly be remembered for the Wacky World of Sports VHS which was the only thing we had to watch in my buddy’s boat shack.
Huh, I only knew him from Mr. Belvedere, which was an absurd show. I fondly remember the episode where the young boy sold a Faberge egg at a yard sale. I’m obviously not much of a sports enthusiast.
Juuust a little outside.
Thanks Bob, you made things better.
*Juuust a bit outside.
Not to be that guy, but it’s a legendary quote.
Dammit. Thank you.
Man, how can these guys lay off pitches that close?
Wonderful quote.
I loved it in Major League where he pours his bottle of whiskey, runs his finger around the lip of the bottle, and dabs it behind his ear, all the while calling the game!
Take over Monte. I’m … In the bag.