“Hi boys! Are we on TV or radio?“
Could anything be more “Uecker“ than to start a radio interview this way?
That's how Bob Uecker, the now 49-year radio voice of the Milwaukee Brewers (47 on WTMJ), started his conversation with WTMJ's Steve Scaffidi and Jeff Wagner in the dugout before Opening Day against the archrival St. Louis Cardinals.
Of course, he had to continue hamming it up when asked about what the key would be for the Brewers to repeat and surpass their success of 2018, coming within five wins of the franchise's first-ever world championship.
“For all the other teams to drop out of the league.“
Of course, Uecker was genuine in his thoughts on this 2019 squad.
“They've got a good club here. They can make another run, absolutely. I would be disppointed, and so would they…if they didn't make a run. But you're going to get a pretty good preview of what could happen starting with the series right now with the St. Louis Cardinals.“
Uecker especially praised defending National League MVP Christian Yelich, both the player and the unselfish man – as evidenced by his work to help California fire refugees, and how he talks about his team.
“He's one of those guys who comes along every once in a while, where it seems that no matter what he does…he's one of those guys who can hit,“ said Uecker.
“The thing about Christian, I wish everyone had a chance to meet him. I don't think he ever said I. He says we, us.“
Uecker showed that side of himself as well when the team made an incredible move showcasing their respect for the Baseball Hall of Famer who's truly one of the guys in that locker room: Giving him a share of their playoff money.
“I was shocked,“ Uecker admitted.
“I'm not kidding you when our traveling secretary…called me and told me that. I thought he was joking. They give shares to the clubhouse people that work in there, front office people, never to a broadcaster. They treat me like I'm one of the guys anyway…but when I really sat down and thought about what they did, I was really shocked.“
After meeting with Yelich and other teammates at the fire relief fundraising event in California, Uecker turned around and gave the money to numerous charities.
“Those are things I do every day. I really enjoyed doing it,“ said Uecker, deflecting to the team members who gave him the money to donate in the first place.
“Everybody benefited from it. I didn't do it for a pat on the back. I wanted people to know these guys thought enough of me to give me a full share.“