Bob Uecker, the beloved “Mr. Baseball” and iconic radio voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, will be honored with a remembrance ceremony on August 24. Uecker, who passed away in January at age 90, was renowned for his masterful storytelling and comic timing, which made even blowout games a pleasure to listen to. Yet, he was equally adept at capturing the electric excitement of a game-changing moment.
In tribute to his legendary career, here is a look back at some of his most memorable calls.
Hank Aaron’s Walk-Off Homer (1976)
Back in Milwaukee to conclude his historic career, a 42-year-old Hank Aaron provided a dramatic victory over Texas with his penultimate career home run.
“Get out of here for Henry! It is gone! A home run! Hey, he did it! Henry Aaron has just hit one out of here… They’re standing at home plate for Henry. Hey, what a ballgame! And who else but Hank Aaron?”
Sixto Lezcano’s Opening Day Grand Slam (1980)
On Opening Day, Sixto Lezcano hit a walk-off grand slam to defeat the Boston Red Sox in a moment that became an instant classic.
Clinching the First Playoff Spot (1981)
Uecker’s call captured the historic moment the Brewers secured their first-ever postseason berth by defeating the Detroit Tigers, with Rollie Fingers on the mound.
“SWING AND A MISS. Goodbye Detroit, hello New York! Hey, Rollie Fingers, what a job! He’s being mobbed by his teammates, as the Brewers have come from behind today to beat Detroit by a score 2-1… Milwaukee will face New York for the American League Eastern Division championship.”
Charlie Moore Throws Out Reggie Jackson (1982 ALCS)
During Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, Uecker immortalized a pivotal defensive play that cut down a Hall of Famer.
“Here is Reggie turning second, trying for third. Moore’s going to have a play on him, the throw… IN TIME to get Jackson. Oh, what a throw by Moore. Oh, what a throw by Charlie Moore.”
A 12th Straight Win on Easter Sunday (1987)
The Brewers’ incredible 12-0 start to the 1987 season culminated in a dramatic walk-off home run by Dale Sveum.
“A swing and a fly ball, right field and deep. Get up, get up and get out of here, gone! For Sveum! And they’ve done it again! Twelve in a row on a two-run blast by Sveum to win it. Oh my goodness. Holy cow, do you believe it?”
Robin Yount’s 3,000th Hit (1992)
When the franchise’s greatest player reached a monumental milestone, Uecker’s call was simple, direct, and perfect for the occasion.
“SWINGS AND THERE IT IS. A base hit into right center. He’s done it. Three-thousand for Robin.”
Ryan Braun Ends the Playoff Drought (2008)
With the Brewers on the verge of their first playoff appearance in 26 years, Ryan Braun hit a go-ahead, eighth-inning home run that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Uecker then narrated the final out that sealed the wild-card berth.
“SWING AND A DRIVE. Left center and deep! Get up! Get out of here! And gone, for Ryan Braun! And they’ve got the lead… J.J. to second, relay, double play! Hey! They win! Whoa, what a finish!”
Nyjer Morgan’s NLDS Game-Winner (2011)
In the decisive Game 5 of the National League Division Series, Nyjer Morgan’s walk-off single sent the Brewers to the NLCS.
“Morgan, a smash up the middle, base hit to center! Here comes Gomez, around third. The throw and the Brewers win! The Brewers are moving on, on a base hit by Nyjer Morgan.”
Back-to-Back Homers Down to the Last Out (2018)
With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Christian Yelich tied the game with a home run before Ryan Braun won it on the very next pitch.
“Yelich, SENDS ONE TO RIGHT CENTER AND DEEP. Get up, get up, get out of here and gone! For Yelich… The pitch, Ryan Braun sends it to left center and deep! Get up, get up, get out of here, and gone! For Ryan Braun! He just hit a walk-off outta here.”
Hall of Fame Induction Speech (2003)
Perhaps no single event better captured Uecker’s unique blend of humor and heart than his 2003 speech at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Upon receiving the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence, his 20-minute, deadpan monologue, filled with self-deprecating wit and classic one-liners, is widely considered one of the most entertaining and memorable speeches in the institution’s history.
