The Milwaukee Brewers were on the wrong end of a 20-9 ball game on Saturday that saw New York Yankees hitters mash nine home runs in what was, indeed, a very long day for the pitching staff. And while losing is never fun, especially in blowout fashion, there was something missing from this particular game, something that had not been missing on the airwaves for the past 54 seasons.
In the past, whenever the Brewers were being blown out or winning by large margins, Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Uecker would regale the listening audience with some of his classic stories. His hilarious jokes, often at his own expense, made even the most frustrating of games enjoyable for listeners. Indeed, there was absolutely no one who could call a game in such an entertaining way, and there may never be again.
Unfortunately, the legendary broadcaster passed away earlier this year from cancer at the age of 90.
Joe Buck Set Bob Uecker Up to Call Part of a Milwaukee Brewers Game on National Television
One of the many, many things that made Uecker special was that he was, at his core, everything that is good about the city of Milwaukee. A native of the city himself, he gave so much back to the community in which he grew up. And when offered the chance to make more money calling games in a larger market, he turned it down to stay in his city.
Uecker’s other pursuits outside of baseball, appearances on the Tonight Show, hosting WWE events, his television series, and his iconic portrayal of Harry Doyle in Major League made him adored by fans everywhere, not just in Milwaukee. But only Brewers fans were gifted with hearing his voice call games year after year.
And Joe Buck, one of the most respected television play-by-play analysts in the industry today, wanted to make sure more people got an opportunity to hear his iconic broadcasting.
A thank note for @Buck from a Brewers fan, 6.5 years late. But listening to the first couple Brewers games this year has me really missing Bob Uecker. And then I recalled this ultra cool/classy move from Joe Buck during the 2018 NLCS vs Dodgers. Buck just left the booth for a bit…
— Andrew Rypel (@andrewrypel) March 29, 2025
Buck, as fans may recall, used to call the Major League Baseball playoff games on Fox before he left that network for ESPN. During the 2018 NLCS, which saw the Brewers take on the Los Angeles Dodgers, Uecker was invited into the television booth to chat with Buck and John Smoltz during the game.
And after chatting for a few minutes, Buck told Uecker that he was going to leave the booth for a little while, leaving the legendary radio voice there to call the game in front of a national television audience.
Uecker’s call of the game after Buck left the booth begins at the 4:20 mark in the video above.
In response to the note/post above, Buck wrote, “I knew he wouldn’t do it if he knew I was gonna leave. So I didn’t tell him what I was thinking. He was the best. The best!!! And a dear friend to my dad and luckily to me. He will be so missed. What a sweet, funny, genuine man.”
More Milwaukee Brewers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Brewers Trade Outfielder to 2024 AL Playoff Team
- Brewers Lose Top Prospect for 6-8 Weeks
- The Brewers Were on the Wrong Side of 2 Pieces of History on Opening Day
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!
