'Mr. Baseball' honored for 50 years as voice of the Brewers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Bob "Mr. Baseball" Uecker was honored by the Milwaukee Brewers and fans Saturday, Sept. 25, for 50 dedicated and memorable years as the voice of Brewers Baseball. 

The celebration was also commemorated with an official proclamation from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett as "Bob Uecker Day" throughout the State of Wisconsin.

Fans told CBS 58 about the countless stories of listening to "Mr. Baseball," who has provided the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Brewers fans everywhere five decades of memories, humor, advice, tales and quality in-game broadcasting of his hometown Brewers.

"I remember Bob Uecker when he played for the Braves, I remember Bob Uecker when he started as a broadcaster... he's just been in our lives forever," said Ken Larsen.

Ken and Charlene Larsen said Bob Uecker's 50th anniversary with the Brewers is what brought them out to American Family Field Saturday.

Fans of all ages were excited to honor Uecker.

"It's just, it's great, it's very exciting, I've been listening to him as long as I've been a Brewers' fan," said Kirsten Kilsdonk.

Kilsdonk even picked up special Uecker bobblehead for the broadcaster's special day.

"It's really great, he totally deserves the honor," said Kilsdonk.

Uecker told media members at a special ceremony Saturday that he was grateful for the honor and recalled his first solo broadcast in front of family, friends, and co-workers.

"When Merle Harmon introduced me he said here's Bob and they both got up and left and I had, or we have a cough switch, and I punched the cough switch down and I kept begging them to come back," laughed Uecker.

Fans said they don't want to see him go.

"I just hope he's around for another 20 years, it's gonna be tough, but we'll see what he can do," said Larsen.

Even after five decades on the job, Uecker said he's sticking around because he thinks this team can win it all.

"We're gonna get there, and I want to be a part of that, and that's the bottom line for me," said Uecker.

The man considered one of the most important individuals in the history of the Milwaukee Brewers, received a standing ovation before the Brewers v. Mets game Saturday, as Uecker took the mound for the ceremonial first pitch.

Of course, it wouldn't be Bob Uecker without a bit of humor.

Instead of throwing out the first pitch, Uecker unveiled a pitching machine, to throw out the pitch instead, which brought out laughter from the entire crowd at American Family Field.

Uecker, a Milwaukee native, has been working with the Brewers since 1971.

Before his broadcasting career, Uecker was a six-year professional baseball player from 1962-1967.

He began his career as a member of the Milwaukee Braves in 1963-1963.

Uecker also played for the St. Louis Cardinals where he was a member of the 1964 World Championship team.