When Milwaukee fans think of Brewers baseball, one of the first names that comes to mind is that of legendary announcer Bob Uecker.
So it came as no surprise when the Brewers announced Wednesday that Uecker will join two baseball Hall of Famers and a former team owner – who is now the commissioner of baseball – with a statue representing him outside of Miller Park.
On Aug. 31, Uecker's statue – cast in bronze and measuring taller than 7 feet – will go alongside those of Hank Aaron, Robin Yount and Bud Selig.
Uecker, 77, has been the radio voice of the Brewers since 1971 and played for the Milwaukee Braves from 1962-63. His self-deprecating humor and comedic timing has endeared him to generations of Brewers fans and to national audiences during his decades as an actor in both film and television. Both were on full display Wednesday when he was asked about the honor while with the team in Arizona.
"I think when they put one of these things up it means you're getting close to the end, so to have something available in case I go," Uecker cracked. "Before this thing gets up is my main concern right now."
In fact, he said he already has posed for the statue.
"Kind of a Schwarzenegger-type thing," Uecker said. "Beefcake, Speedos and pretty buffed, enhanced. . . . I've seen pictures of the finished product, and, yes, I'm very pleased. As a matter of fact, it's drawn a lot of attention, more so than that swimsuit issue."
So which is more chiseled, Uecker or the statue?
"I'll be honest with you, the statue in front," he said. "But the back is me."
In all seriousness — sort of — Uecker, who was honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame with the Ford C. Frick Award in 2003, was flattered when he learned of the tribute.
"Oh, it's an honor, I mean it's unbelievable," he said. "Anytime you're thought of in this light, I mean something is going to be put up in your honor, it's — until we get attacked or something — it's going to be there forever and ever. As long as (team owner) Mark Attanasio keeps it polished and everything, and it doesn't rust. . . . But my family, my friends, are all excited for it. I mean, I'm honored as I said before, and I'm pleased with it. I thank the whole organization, Mark Attanasio, the players.
"Who are we as broadcasters without the guys that make the game for you, make the game to call, and make the games exciting? . . . I hope the fans have enjoyed listening as much as I've enjoyed doing the games. I don't ever go the park where I don't have a good day."
Uecker's roots will always be in baseball — his journeyman playing career spanned four teams in six seasons — but his performing background is equally impressive.
Uecker hit the national scene as an entertainer in 1969, when he first appeared on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." He appeared roughly 100 times with Carson and was a regular on the TV talk show circuit for years. Nationally, he may be best known for his lead role in the TV sitcom "Mr. Belvedere," which aired from 1985-90. Also, several of his lines from his role as radio announcer Harry Doyle in the 1989 baseball movie "Major League" are still frequently referenced by baseball fans today.
The Milwaukee Brewers provided the interview for this
story.
