The Milwaukee Brewers will start their 2025 MLB regular season with their opening weekend series on the road in the Bronx against the New York Yankees. And while there are serious concerns regarding their starting pitching depth going into the season (only three starting pitchers are healthy enough to be on the Opening Day roster), there is still a great deal of optimism surrounding Milwaukee’s club.
Christian Yelich is back and fully healthy after season-ending back surgery ended his best statistical year since 2019. Prior to going on the injured list with his back ailment, Yelich was hitting .315/.406/.504 with 11 home runs, 42 RBI, and 21 stolen bases.
This spring, the three-time All-Star hit .353/.389/.735 with three home runs and 11 RBI.
But as exciting as Yeli’s return is, both he and the Brewers organization enter the season with a hole in their hearts.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Christian Yelich Will Miss Bob Uecker
One of the most disappointing things about Yelich’s injury last season was that he was not able to use his custom-made bats for players’ weekend. As one can see from the image above, his bats paid tribute to the Brewers’ legendary radio announcer, Bob Uecker. Since he could not use the bats last year because of his surgery, he chose to make them a part of the players’ picture day photos this spring.
When Milwaukee was eliminated from the MLB Playoffs last year, there seemed to be a bigger cloud of sadness hovering over the players than there usually is when their season ends. Yelich emerged from a private conversation with Uecker, eyes brimming with tears. His voice broke as he expressed how badly losing that series hurt him and the team, because they could not win it for Ueck.
Months later, fans learned why it was so emotional. The voice of Milwaukee baseball for over 50 years, the immortal Bob Uecker, passed away at age 90 due to cancer.
Milwaukee Brewers Outfielder Christian Yelich Pays Tribute to Bob Uecker with Pregame Suit
One of the many things that Uecker was known for was his affinity for plaid. This year, the Brewers will wear a plaid patch on their jersey sleeves in memorial to him. Indeed, there are many ways in which the organization plans to honor the voice of Brewers baseball throughout the season.
And on Opening Day, Yelich showed up to Yankee Stadium in a Uecker-like plaid suit, sending Brewers fans right into their feelings:
Game day baby pic.twitter.com/EAkIP3G93V
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 27, 2025
Fans noticed Yelich’s wardrobe choice right away:
🥲… do it for Ueck https://t.co/1w60tgmT0y pic.twitter.com/YoD013L5WZ
— Evan (@EvanBoller) March 27, 2025
The plaid suit for Ueck 😭
First of many times I’ll likely tear up today. https://t.co/te8eRLLUuW
— Meteorologist Sam Kuffel (@SamKuffelWx) March 27, 2025
I was not emotionally prepared for Yeli rolling up in a Uecker suit.. https://t.co/U7EWc4dY9Q
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) March 27, 2025
The Uecker plaid on Yeli 😭
— John “BrewersRaptor” Egan (@BrewersRaptor) March 27, 2025
This is certainly going to be a season unlike any other. For every year in Brewers franchise history, Uecker has been around and on the call.
More Milwaukee Brewers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- 2 Unlikely Infielders Have Made the Brewers Opening Day Roster
- Brewers’ Jose Quintana Will Not Make the Opening Day Roster
- Former Brewers 1B “Unconditionally Released” by Houston Astros
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
