At 90 years old, Bob Uecker, the legendary MLB broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers who earned the title 'Mr. Baseball' after his short baseball career, passed away on 16 January.
Alongside his illustrious career, Uecker's personal life, particularly his family, was a significant aspect of his journey. Bob Uecker married twice in his lifetime. At the time of his death, he wasn't married to anyone.
Bob Uecker's first marriage to Joyce Uecker (1956–1975) lasted 19 years, and the two of them had four children together. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bob Uecker's family faced its share of triumphs and tragedies. His eldest daughter, Leeann Uecker, was born in 1957 and passed away in 2022 after a courageous battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
His first son, Steve Uecker, born in 1958, tragically died in 2012 due to complications from San Joaquin Valley Fever. Despite these losses, Bob found solace in the presence of his surviving children. His daughter Sue Ann Uecker remained a steadfast source of support and was by his side during his final moments. Similarly, his youngest son, Bob Uecker Jr., also stood with their father, offering comfort in his last days. His first wife, Joyce Uecker, passed away in 2015, 40 years after their divorce.
Bob married Judy in 1976, a year after his divorce from Joyce. Their marriage lasted 25 years before ending in divorce in 2001. Although they did not have any children together, Bob and Judy maintained a close relationship post-divorce. In a 2022 MLB.com interview, Bob revealed that both he and Judy had battled COVID-19 and successfully recovered with treatment, underscoring the bond they shared even after their separation.
More about Bob Uecker
In a statement released by the Milwaukee Brewers on behalf of the Uecker family, they disclosed Bob Uecker's struggle with lung cancer. The statement read:
"Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he met with the same strength and resilience that defined him."
Bob Uecker earned the nickname 'Mr. Baseball' from talk show host and comedian Johnny Carson, as reported by various sources. The two shared great comedic chemistry during Uecker’s frequent appearances on The Tonight Show, starting in 1971. Over the years, he appeared on the show nearly 100 times, becoming a beloved and recognizable figure to audiences across the nation.
Even before his legendary broadcasting career, Bob Uecker was a pro ballplayer. He broke into the majors with the Milwaukee Braves in 1962 at 28. During his playing days, he also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves, all of which spoke to his passion for the game prior to moving to the broadcasting booth.
Bob Uecker, who is regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time, received the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. Eight years later, in 2011, he was further honored with his induction into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.
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