Bob Uecker, the legendary voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, was also an avid golfer who took up the game during his time with the Milwaukee Braves in the 1960s. He eventually improved to a 12-13 handicap, though he approached the sport with his characteristic humor.


In a 2020 interview, Uecker shared his golfing journey with typical self-deprecating wit. When asked about his best golf tip, he quipped, "To put my clubs away." He admitted to the early frustrations of the game, noting the irony of struggling with a stationary ball after facing 100-mph pitches in baseball.

Beyond his golf pursuits, Uecker was a multifaceted entertainment figure, famous for his 65 appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, his role in "Major League" (where he ad-libbed famous lines like "Juuust a bit outside"), and iconic Miller Lite commercials alongside celebrities like Billy Martin and Rodney Dangerfield.

Uecker's 50-year tenure with the Brewers and 65 years in baseball overall showcased his dedication to America's pastime. His baseball career included hitting 14 home runs, some off Hall of Famers like Sandy Koufax, about which he'd jokingly apologize, suggesting it might have jeopardized Koufax's Hall of Fame chances.

Despite his modest playing career (.200 batting average), Uecker's impact on sports and entertainment was significant. His ability to blend sports commentary with humor made him a beloved figure in both baseball and golf communities, even if he claimed he could only drive the ball 200 yards "with a stick of dynamite in my driver."

In his later years, he continued to approach both sports with the same wit and humility that made him a cultural icon, exemplifying how sports figures can transcend their primary sport to impact multiple aspects of American culture.

Related Articles

Previous Articles