Bob Uecker family salutes Brewers: 'He's right here cheering alongside us'

MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers' first World Series appearance in 44 years has arrived too late for beloved broadcaster Bob Uecker to enjoy, although the former player's family said the current playoff run has kept his spirit alive. Uecker, who played from 1962-67 and was a Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Brewers, passed away on Jan. 16, 2025. 'We are filled with elation and pride, but also longing. A wish that Bob was here to see it, too,' the Uecker family said in a statement released Wednesday. 'While we could never speak for him, this is certain: Milwaukee, the Brewers, and the fans meant everything to Bob. Wherever we gather -- in a packed stadium, a neighborhood bar, or a living room with the radio turned all the way up -- we know he's right here cheering alongside us.' The Brewers are set to play host to Game 1 of the World Series on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The franchise's only other World Series appearance came in 1982 when Milwaukee fell to the St. Louis Cardinals as a representative of the American League. 'To the players -- You believed in each other and the power of friendship,' the statement read. 'You carried the city with you every time you took the field, making memories that will last a lifetime. Bob would have been so incredibly proud of what you've accomplished.' But while earning their spot in the World Series last week with a National League Championship Series sweep of the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy took a moment to remember the beloved longtime voice of the franchise. 'He'd be so happy for the guys,' Murphy said of Uecker during the celebration following the NLCS victory. 'Those who knew him well are all thinking about Ueck today.' After batting .200 over six seasons and 297 games for the Milwaukee Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Cardinals, Uecker's fame grew as a funnyman with appearances alongside Johnny Carson on the 'Tonight Show' and in the 'Major League' movie franchise. Uecker called Brewers games for 54 seasons and was named the recipient of the Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award in 2003.