Bob Uecker

Now that we have a fortuitous day off in this World Series (They end so late that I haven't seen either game to completion), cnnsi.com gives us rundown of the Top Ten Characters in the history of the St. Louis Cardinals on the 10 Spot (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/pete_mcentegart/10/25/ten.spot/index.html). Sitting at number six is none other than Mr. Baseball, Bob Uecker.

Pete McEntegart:
6. Bob Uecker (1964-65) The classic clubhouse cut-up. The backup catcher didn't play much and couldn't hit a lick (.200 for his career) but earned his keep with solid defense and by keeping the club loose with his impressions and quick wit. In '65, the right-handed Uecker pretended to be a lefty swinger in his Topps card, which was about the only way the card would have any value. Uecker convinced Bob Gibson to hold his hand in the 1964 team picture; management didn't notice at the time and had to retake the photo later. He collected 52 mug shots of unfortunate-looking souls to create the card game Ugly, at which he was a master. Uecker later finagled a second career making fun of his first in beer commercials and speaking engagements.


Brilliant stuff. Somne of my fondest memories from my childhood are staying up at night during the summer listening to the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, Mr. Uecker. Some may remember him for the TV sitcom Mr. Belvedere or his Miller Lite ads. But for me, I could stay up past my bedtime when the Brew Crew were playing on the West Coast and fall asleep to his voice calling the game. My parents bedroom was upstairs so I could listen to the game without getting into trouble. When I visit Milwaukee these days, which is quite rare after my grandfather passed away several years ago, I listen to Brewers games on the radio rather than go to Miller Park. Beautiful stadium (Saw Barry Bonds hit a homer the year he hit 73) but there's a romance with radio and baseball that's further enhanced by my own nostalgia. Perhaps what made him so great was that his sense of humor would take over during the downtime between pitches and we all know there's plenty of that in the game.

Through Major League Baseball's website, you can purchase as season long pass to listen to the broadcast from both teams for every game played during the year. It's pretty cool and has given me a chance to catch up on other Hall of Famers such as Vin Scully. If you love baseball on the radio, treat yourself to a subscription while some of the great play-by-play announcers are still practicing their craft. The new generation is good it's not the same.

Perhaps Uecker will make it to the Hall of Fame as a broadcaster some day. He certainly couldn't have made it as a player.