Bob Uecker will return to the microphone for the Milwaukee Brewers’ home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday.
It’s uncertain how much broadcasting work the 90-year-old Uecker will take on for the rest of the season.
“Bob Uecker calling the first pitch of the Brewers home opener is the official start of summer in Milwaukee,” said Brewers president of business operations Rick Schlesinger in a statement released by the team on social media. “Bob expects to be back at the mic on April 2 to call the game on WTMJ and the network, and he’ll take it one day at a time after that.”
Uecker has been a part of Milwaukee baseball for more than 50 years. He became the voice of the Brewers in 1971 and has been with the broadcast team since then, though he has limited himself to home radio assignments in recent years.
Last season, Uecker was regularly seen on the field and in the locker room before games. He even joined the Brewers’ celebration in the locker room after they won the NL Central title.
The team has honored him with two statues, one outside American Family Field and another on the terrace level, referencing his famous line from a Miller Lite commercial. Uecker marked his 50th season of broadcasting baseball in 2020.
Before his broadcasting career, Uecker played in the majors from 1962 to 1967 with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies. However, he gained more fame after retiring from playing, working as a national color commentator for ABC and NBC baseball broadcasts. He also became known for his appearances on late-night talk shows, beer commercials, and the movie “Major League.” Additionally, he starred in the ABC sitcom “Mr. Belvedere,” which aired over 100 episodes from 1985 to 1990.
