Bob Uecker, known as ‘Mr. Baseball,’ earned his nickname from Johnny Carson’s playful banter on ‘The Tonight Show’
Milwaukee: So, here’s a fun story about Bob Uecker and how he got the nickname “Mr. Baseball.” It all started with Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show.”
When Carson first called Uecker “Mr. Baseball,” he didn’t even know if Uecker had played the game. Uecker recalled laughing backstage when he heard Carson say it. He even overheard Carson asking Ed McMahon if Uecker was a real player.
That nickname stuck and became a big deal. Uecker was a regular on Carson’s show, appearing a whopping 62 times. He was known for his wild personality and hilarious moments, not just on Carson’s show but also in movies like “Major League” and those classic Miller Lite commercials.
Uecker played in the majors for six seasons, winning a World Series with the Cardinals in 1964. After his playing days, he became a beloved radio announcer for the Brewers, a role he held for over 50 years.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Uecker, calling him one of baseball’s most beloved figures. He highlighted Uecker’s humor and charm, which made him a standout both on and off the field.
