Brewers Pay Tribute to Legendary Broadcaster Bob Uecker
MILWAUKEE – Today, as a sold-out crowd enters American Family Field, fans are immersed in a day-long celebration of the life of the iconic “Mr. Baseball,” Bob Uecker.
The tributes include permanent installations, rare memorabilia collections and numerous programming elements created specially just for this day. Photos Here
Details include:
PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS
*Today, the Brewers are announcing a special recognition in naming Ueck’s “home away from home,” the American Family Field broadcast wing, in his honor. Above the press box on the Loge Level, an illuminated sign, “Bob Uecker Broadcast Center,” will warmly welcome the media and colleagues to the entrance. The illuminated sign bears Bob’s signature and is just one of the daily reminders of the dedication, passion and humor that Ueck imparted on the Club.
*Overlooking right-field at American Family Field, alongside the names of iconic Brewers players and retired numbers, Bob Uecker’s medallion has been updated to display a single microphone and his name, representing the indescribable mark Bob has had on both on the airwaves and on the Club. The medallions on display include Hank Aaron (44), Rollie Fingers (34), Jackie Robinson (42), Paul Molitor (4), Bud Selig (1) and Robin Yount (19).
UECKER MEMORABILIA
*Spread throughout four locations inside of American Family Field – one on each seating level – are displays of rare memorabilia from Uecker’s personal collection. Fans can see items including a rare 1980 Auburn Dual Cowl Phaeton 874 car that was manufactured by Glenn Pray, one of just 18 manufactured and the actual car that carried Harvey and Audrey Kuenn in the Brewers post-1982 World Series parade; the original Bullpen Cart from the movie, “Major League;” a colorful selection of sportscoats including one from the bar scene in one of the famous “Miller Lite All Star” commercials; Uecker’s rookie baseball contract; a game worn Cardinals uniform; Uecker’s personal motorcycle; Christian Yelich’s Uecker-themed bat that he used to hit two home runs at Cincinnati on August 15, and much, much more.
PROGRAMMING ELEMENTS AND OTHER INSTALLATIONS
*All ticketed fans receive a lapel pin featuring the Uecker uniform patch design – available today only and not for sale.
*A special live program hosted by broadcasting legend Bob Costas, a fellow Hall-of-Famer and close friend of Uecker for decades, will take place pregame beginning at 12:30 p.m. Special guests including Bud Selig, George Brett, Brian Anderson, Ted Simmons, Robin Yount, Christian Yelich and Mark Attanasio will participate in the program and be featured during in-game activities and interviews.
Rare videos featuring material never before seen in public are airing in the ballpark throughout the pre-game program.
*Interviews and recognition in-game of cast members from the Mr. Belvedere TV series and Major League movie.
*In honor of Uecker’s military service and as a tribute to his longtime support of the armed forces, a flyover features KC-135R from the 128TH air refueling wing, Wisconsin air National Guard – Milwaukee’s hometown air force. The flyover will be the exact same plane that Uecker joined the crew for a refueling flight of the famous Thunderbirds in the summer of 2018.
*Bob Uecker Jr., surrounded by family members including Judy Uecker, Sue Uecker, Cathy Uecker, Emily Uecker, Kelsey Ziemer and Becca Haven, tosses the ceremonial first pitch, with Brewers legend Robin Yount catching.
*The national anthem performer is Clay Hancock, violinist for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Illene Graff, who was previously announced to perform, is unable to do so due to illness.
*The full Brewers roster and coaching staff are taking the field in special Uecker tribute uniforms for today’s game only. All players and coaches will wear “UECK” as the name on the back in tribute to Wisconsin’s “voice of the summer.”
The game-worn jerseys will be up for auction beginning at first pitch today, with all proceeds benefiting charities supported by Uecker, including Wounded Warrior Project, the ALS Association and the Bob Uecker Chair in Pancreatic Cancer Research. Fans can go to Brewers.Auctions.MLB.com to bid.
*Inning breaks feature video highlights from throughout Uecker’s life, honoring the universally beloved entertainer and Voice of the Brewers.
*All charitable proceeds from today’s 50/50 raffle benefit Uecker’s preferred charities.
*Baseballs and bases featuring a Uecker celebration design will be used during this one game only.
*In the 7th inning stretch, fans are invited to participate in a special “Toast to Uecker,” recalling Ueck’s starring role in the iconic and hilarious Miller Lite All Stars TV spots that ran from 1974 until 1991.
*A limited-edition retail collection honoring Uecker is available today, August 24, at all retail locations at American Family Field, including a pop-up shop on the Loge Level. Items are expected to sell out quickly and include a special poster featuring original artwork by Ryan Duggan. The poster and other apparel and novelty items reference Uecker’s iconic taglines, his Milwaukee baseball career and his celebrated entertainment career. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Uecker’s preferred charities.
*The Uecker memorial uniform patch returns for today only and will be available for purchase at the main Brewers Team Store for application to jerseys purchased that day or previously purchased jerseys.
*A Bob Uecker autograph is painted into the turf behind home plate, and “UECK” is featured as today’s mound stencil.
*“The Uecker” meatloaf sandwich is available to fans today at Field Level burger stands at American Family Field.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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