APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Every winter, after starring on late night shows, TV series, commercials and movies, Bob Uecker would return to his home state.
“Bob was a national voice,” said Brewers broadcaster, former player and Wisconsin native Vinny Rottino.
This year, Opening Day for the Milwaukee Brewers wasn’t the same.
“I’ve been a Brewers fan since 1970 when they started, and Ueck’s always been there,” said Tom Kohn, a Brewers fan in Appleton.
Kohn was at the bar watching his local team on Opening Day. With Uecker starring in Miller Lite commercials, perhaps it was fitting that the most passionate Brewers fans took to the local bars.
It’s a tradition that included Uecker every Opening Day, for nearly as long as the team been around.
“[Opening Day] is telling us, ‘Oh my gosh, spring is finally here,’” said Brewers fan Alice Bishop.
But this year, someone special was missing.
“He was everybody’s friend,” said Kohn. “It feels like a family member gone, more than just a sports announcer.”
Rottino, who got to know Uecker first while listening to the radio, then personally as a player and broadcaster, feels the same way.
“I can confidently say Bob Uecker is the reason I love the Brewers,” said Rottino.
His introduction to the iconic voice came, like many others, from his dad.
“He was driving around with me in the backseat; I was two years old at the time,” said Rottino. “Bob Uecker was on the call.”
It was a voice that tied generations together, beginning every spring.
“Back in ‘76, my first Brewer game, we were in Oakland, California,” said Bishop. “Bob Uecker actually shouted out my brother, Norm Green, ‘Hello from Oakland.’”
In Rottino’s eyes, Uecker is comparable to another local legend.
“Vince Lombardi and Bob Uecker are the most iconic figures in Wisconsin sports history,” said Rottino. “Vince Lombardi is the reason why everyone loves the Packers, Bob Uecker is the reason why everyone loves the Brewers. And both those guys are icons on a national level.”
Icon at the national level, a friend in Wisconsin.
“I do think that people will miss Bob’s voice, certainly on Opening Day today,” said Rottino. “Bob is Brewers baseball, and he will be very sorely missed.”
Added Kohn: “I’m like millions of others that will miss Bob Uecker.”
