Bob Uecker Dies at 90 from Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Bob Uecker, born on January 26, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a well-known figure in the world of baseball and entertainment. He is often referred to as “Mr. Baseball” due to his extensive career in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a player and broadcaster. Bob Uecker passed away on January 16, 2025, at the age of 90. He is remembered for his engaging personality and deep connection with fans, leaving behind a significant legacy in the world of baseball.

Jeffrey Phelps/MLB Photos via Getty

Uecker’s final year was marked by a private and courageous battle with small-cell lung cancer, which he had been fighting since early 2023. His family shared that despite the severity of his condition, he faced this challenge with remarkable strength and resilience. Even as the disease progressed, Uecker’s love for life never wavered.

Bob Uecker’s Legendary Baseball Career

Bob Uecker, a name synonymous with baseball, made his MLB debut on April 13, 1962, with the Milwaukee Braves. Known for his resilience and dedication to the game, Uecker played as a catcher for the Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies from 1962 to 1967. His most significant achievement as a player came in 1964, when he was part of the St. Louis Cardinals team that triumphed in the World Series, contributing as a backup catcher to one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.

Though his playing career spanned only six seasons, Uecker’s impact on the field was undeniable. He amassed a career batting average of .200, with 14 home runs and 74 RBIs in 297 games. Uecker was renowned for his exceptional defensive skills behind the plate, boasting a fielding percentage of .981, a testament to his reliability and sharp instincts as a catcher.

The Voice That Never Left Baseball

Bob Uecker’s broadcasting career spanned an incredible 54 years, making him one of the longest-serving and most beloved voices in Major League Baseball history. Starting in 1971, Uecker joined the Milwaukee Brewers’ broadcast team, a role he held until his passing in 2025. His deep connection with fans and distinctive voice made him an integral part of Brewers baseball for generations.

Uecker’s trademark catchphrase,

“Get up! Get outta here! Gone!”

became synonymous with Brewers home runs, endearing him to fans and making his calls unforgettable. He was the voice behind some of the most memorable moments in Brewers history, including Hank Aaron’s 755th home run on July 20, 1976, the Brewers’ 1982 American League pennant-clinching game, Juan Nieves’ no-hitter on April 15, 1987, and Robin Yount’s 3,000th hit on September 9, 1992.

American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard presents the 2022 James V. Day “Good Guy” Award to Hall of Famer Bob Uecker

during the American Legion’s 103rd National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday, Aug. 29. Photo by Hilary Ott/The American Legion

His remarkable ability to capture the excitement of the game, paired with his humor and passion, set him apart as a broadcaster. In 2003, Uecker’s unparalleled contributions to baseball broadcasting earned him the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Key Statistics and Insights of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 10-15% of all lung cancer cases, with 90% of patients being smokers or former smokers (American Cancer Society, 2020). It arises from neuroendocrine cells in the lung and is known for its aggressive behavior and early metastasis. SCLC is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage, with 70-80% of patients presenting with extensive-stage disease, which has a 5-year survival rate of about 6% (Pinder & Spiro, 2022).

Clinical symptoms include cough, chest pain, weight loss, and dyspnea, often accompanied by paraneoplastic syndromes like SIADH (National Cancer Institute, 2020). Diagnosis is confirmed via imaging and biopsy, with histological analysis revealing small, densely packed cells. Treatment involves chemotherapy, commonly with cisplatin or carboplatin and etoposide, and radiation therapy for limited-stage disease. Recent advances in immunotherapy, including PD-1 inhibitors, have shown promising results, particularly in extensive-stage SCLC (Baudouin & Besse, 2021).

Despite initial responses to treatment, relapse is common due to the high rate of chemotherapy resistance, making SCLC one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Continued research into targeted therapies and early detection is crucial for improving outcomes (Herbst & Soria, 2021).

On behalf of everyone at Oncodaily, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Bob Uecker. His passing marks the end of an era in baseball and broadcasting. Bob’s remarkable contributions to the sport, his enduring presence as a broadcaster, and the joy he brought to countless listeners will forever remain in the hearts of all who followed his career.

We recognize the strength and resilience he showed throughout his life, both on and off the field, and his ability to connect with fans and the broader community. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through the memories of his unforgettable moments in the world of baseball.Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire, and may his family find strength in the outpouring of love and support from around the world.