On Thursday, the Milwaukee Brewers lost an icon with the passing of Bob Uecker at the age of 90. In his 54-year tenure as a radio broadcast announcer, Uecker defined many fans’ childhoods. As many fans already knew, he was loyal to Milwaukee. It was his hometown and he was never going to leave.
He proved that when the New York Yankees came calling.
“He Was Milwaukee Through And Through” Brewers’ Bob Uecker Turned Down Legendary Franchise Many Times (Report)
Steinbrenner was able to get what he wanted during the vast majority of his tenure as owner of the New York Yankees. However, he was never able to land Bob Uecker:
On Wednesday, Yankees TV announcer Michael Kay revealed that Steinbrenner tried luring Uecker away from Milwaukee “a few times” on his self-titled mid-day show on ESPN New York.
“George Steinberg made him an offer and he cleared it through Bud Selig, who was the owner of the Brewers at the time. And then Ueck ultimately declined because he was Milwaukee through and through,” Kay said, via Apple Podcasts.
“It was Selig that told Brian Anderson that story when Brian was starting to do more national games and Bob confirmed it to Brian and made sure that Brian didn’t leave Milwaukee either.”
Uecker, who was famous for his comedic chops and elite game-calling, died after a private two-year battle with cancer on Thursday. He was 90 years old.
His fame grew after appearing in the hit movie “Major Leagues” and its sequels, but it began much earlier than that. He earned the nickname “Mr. Baseball” by “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson during one of his many appearances on the show.
Fans have been reacting to the loss of Uecker all over social media:
We mourn the loss of the legendary Bob Uecker. pic.twitter.com/TWJoV05vyh
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 16, 2025
The magic of Major League doesn’t exist without Bob Uecker. His commentary was perfect and no other voice could have filled that role. A legendary commentator whose voice will be missed forever. Rest easy Bob. pic.twitter.com/ECvPcpknL6
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) January 16, 2025
At the base of the Bob Uecker statue outside American Family Field right now: A single, unopened can of Miller Lite.
“I must be in the front row.” pic.twitter.com/wyZ5Zpv7Md
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) January 16, 2025
One of the best intros in movie history Major League.
Bob Uecker made it feel like the biggest game in baseball history. Rest in Peace.
pic.twitter.com/jeCdIzkhKV— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 16, 2025
RIP to Mr. Baseball, Bob Uecker.
— Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) January 16, 2025
MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnold, follow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to McQuade Arnold via email at mcquadewarnold@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers. Go Pack Go. On Wisconsin. Fear The Deer. This Is My Crew.
