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Bob Uecker dies: Reactions from MLB, entertainment worlds pour in from Christian Yelich, Adam Sandler, WWE and more

Uecker, the longtime voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, died Thursday at the age of 90

kari anderson
Contributing writer
·7-min read
FILE - Milwaukee Brewers radio announcer Bob Uecker tips his cap before a baseball game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Miami Marlins,, July 28, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Bob Uecker tips his cap before a Milwaukee Brewers game this past July. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

On Thursday, the Milwaukee Brewers announced that Bob Uecker, the longtime voice of the team, has died at age 90. Uecker, a baseball player-turned-broadcaster-turned-pop culture icon, had a sense of humor that made him a household name outside of the Brewers fandom.

"Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss," the Brewers said in a statement. "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."

In a statement, Uecker's family revealed that he had been battling lung cancer since early 2023. The family thanked people for sharing love and support for Uecker, whom they described as having "a legacy that will forever be cherished."

"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 Uecker family wrote in the statement.

Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich, who has been with the team since 2018, paid tribute to Uecker in a heartfelt post on Instagram. The post included a number of photos of Yelich with the late sportscaster, with several of them showing the two celebrating Brewers postseason wins.

"No words will really do you justice but I kind of think that’s how it should be. To say you were one of one is probably an understatement, the stories you could tell, the life you lived and the way you impacted people," Yelich wrote in the post. "I always cherished our time together and just being able to listen to you talk about your life and all you’d seen.

"I remember you saying that no matter how much time you have it still never feels like enough and that seems pretty true today. You’d always thank me for my friendship but the truth of it is the pleasure was all mine. I’ll miss you my friend."

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Shortly after the Brewers announced Uecker's death, his statue outside American Family Field in Milwaukee became a sort of shrine.

The first item added was a single unopened can of Miller Lite — a reference to the Miller Lite commercial that, along with his appearance in "Major League," grew Uecker's fame to a national level.

By the afternoon, the tribute was steadily growing, with fans adding flowers, more cans of beer and other items.

Wisconsin governor Tony Evers posted about Uecker's death, writing about the fellow Wisconsin native and what he meant to the state.

"For more than 50 years, Bob brought the magic of the ballpark to life for so many, and I am sure I speak for Brewers fans everywhere when I say we gladly would have had him for 50 more," Evers wrote. "He wasn't just a comedian and a great announcer — Bob was a man of character and integrity. Throughout his career, he made countless contributions to the history and culture of Major League Baseball, and he was active in giving back to our communities and our state. Boy, we're going to miss him."

Actor and comedian Adam Sandler posted about Uecker on X, with a series of photos that included a selfie of the two of them.

"What a guy! What a great part of our lives!" Sandler wrote, describing the late sportscaster as someone who "felt like all our dads' best friend."

Comedian Bill Burr posted a similar tribute, calling Uecker "one of the greatest personalities/broadcasters in sports history."

Former NFL defensive end JJ Watt commented on the Brewers' announcement of Uecker's death. Watt was born and raised in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, just outside of Milwaukee.

"An absolute Legend. Truly," Watt wrote. "... Thanks for all the memories."

Beyond baseball, Uecker was involved in WWE as a commentator in the 1980s, and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010. WWE acknowledged Uecker's legacy in a post on social media.

Former wrestler and current WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque (aka Triple H) wrote his own post in honor of Uecker.

"One of the most entertaining voices ever...and an even better person," Levesque wrote. "Rest in peace to a WWE Legend, Hall of Famer, and great friend."

Hall of Fame first baseman Frank Thomas wrote about Uecker on social media, referencing his humor and his most famous line in "Major League": "Juuust a bit outside."

"RIP Bob Uecker! No one made the game and telecast funnier than you. Your one liners are legendary," Thomas wrote. "... We will miss you dearly."

Former Brewers pitcher Dan Plesac, a three-time All-Star and a member of the Brewers' Wall of Honor, posted about Uecker on social media, including a pair of photos with the late broadcaster.

"Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the one and only Bob Uecker," Plesac wrote. "... lived an amazing life ... brought smiles and laughter to so many people ... he will be deeply missed."

Plesac added a reference to Uecker's infamous Miller Lite commercial: "I know for certain he’s in the 'front row' upstairs!" he wrote.