Bob Uecker “Mr. Baseball”, actor, broadcaster, veteran and baseball legend
A Visit to Bob Uecker’s Resting Place
On a recent road trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin—with my catcher’s mask and vintage ball in hand—I visited the grave of Bob Uecker at Wood National Cemetery.
Before heading to the Brewers game, I wanted to pay my respects to a true baseball legend. As I arrived at the cemetery, I realized that his grave faces American Family Field, visible in the near distance—the very place where he broadcast so many games over the years. It felt profoundly appropriate that he now rests near the stadium he loved.
Bob Uecker was born in Milwaukee and played for his hometown Milwaukee Braves for two seasons before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. As a backup catcher with the Cardinals, he earned a World Series ring. His playing career wound down with brief stints on the Phillies and Braves, and he finished with a career batting average of .200—a stat he often poked fun at in his numerous appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. It was Carson who famously dubbed him “Mr. Baseball.”
Different blazers Uecker wore on the Tonight Show.
Though he was a major league player, Uecker became best known as the longtime radio broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers, a role he held from 1971 until 2024. Beyond baseball, he was a familiar face to many thanks to his role on the ABC sitcom Mr. Belvedere from 1985 to 1990.
Bob Uecker’s list of honours is as long as it is well-deserved. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2003 received the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame, given for “major contributions to baseball.” Many fans—including myself—consider his induction speech, filled with humour and self-deprecation, a true highlight and a must-watch.
Robert George Uecker passed away at home on January 16, 2025, just ten days shy of his 91st birthday.
1934-2025
It just so happened to be Bob Uecker Day, making my visit to Milwaukee and the ballpark even more special.At the stadium, I soaked in every tribute to the legend. Right at the main entrance stood his bronze statue, capturing his unmistakable presence.
Brewers Wall of Fame, honouring his decades of contributions not just to the team, but to the entire sport.
And of course, no tribute to Bob would be complete without a trip to the iconic “Uecker Seats” in Section 422—the famously obstructed-view seats he made legendary in Miller Lite commercials. From way up there, the view may be partially blocked, but the spirit of Ueck is front and center. Classic.
What a legend. What a day.
Finally, the famous obstructed-view seats.
*All photos owned by Phil Crawford including the 1964 St.Louis Cardinals Topp’s baseball card which is part of my personal collection.
See my visit to Chicago and the grave of “Mr. Cub”, Ernie Banks.
Ernest “Ernie” Banks “Mr. Cub” and Chicago Cubs first Black player
