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MLB Hall Of Famer Passes Away At 90

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Baseball fans are mourning the loss of Bob Uecker, the former Braves catcher who rebranded himself as the voice of the franchise for decades.

Uecker, who was honored by the MLB Hall of Fame in 2011, passed away at the age of 90 after battling small-cell lung cancer since 2023. The league posted a tribute video to Uecker where some of his colleagues and disciples offered warm words for a man they said left a lasting legacy on America’s pastime.

“Today, we take on the heaviest of burdens. Today, we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker,” the Milwaukee Braves said in a statement. “Uecker was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss.”

“He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends. We are left with a giant void in our hearts, but also remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives throughout the years.”

Uecker is survived by his family, who grieved for the man “we were so lucky to call ours.”

“He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished,” the family said. “While his contributions to the game are noteworthy, it is his kindness, humility, and love for family and friends that we will hold closest to our hearts.”

The Milwaukee native signed his first professional contract with his hometown team in 1956 and made his big league debut in 1962. He went on to play 297 games over a six-year career, transferring between the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves before hanging up his mitt in 1967 at the age of 33, according to the Journal-Sentinel.

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After spending a year as a talent scout, Uecker took to broadcasting in 1969. His signature shout, “Get up! Get up! Get outta here! Gone!” came every time a Milwaukee player hit a home run, and his animated style in the booth propelled him to the microphone for dozens of national games between the 1970s and 1990s.

In 2003, the franchise recognized him with a star on the team’s Walk of Fame outside the former Miller Park. To this day, statues of him adorn the grounds, both inside and outside.

“I am heartbroken with the loss of my dear lifelong friend, Bob Uecker. I can’t begin to describe how much he meant to me, let alone what this loss is for Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin and countless others worldwide,” Bud Selig, commissioner emeritus of Major League Baseball and former Brewers owner, said in a statement.

“Bob had the easiest way of making others feel at ease, share a laugh and always left people feeling a little better. Nobody was his equal. I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship was a constant presence throughout most of my life. For over fifty years, rarely did a day pass where we missed a conversation, a sharing of stories, and countless laughs. That cannot be replaced and is a giant loss, but I am lucky to have experienced that kind of enduring friendship. Sue and I are thinking of Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr., and all of Bob’s family during what is a difficult time for all of us.”