Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Bob Uecker, the legendary Milwaukee Brewers radio announcer, Major League catcher, and actor, who was 90:

¡°While this onetime backup catcher was known for his self-deprecating style, Bob Uecker was one of the game¡¯s most beloved figures throughout his 70-year career in baseball. In his six years in his hometown of Milwaukee as well as St. Louis, Philadelphia and Atlanta, Bob made lifelong friendships with many Hall of Famers and other stars of the ¡¯60s, and he was a member of the 1964 World Series Champion Cardinals. Near the beginning of his remarkable 54-year run in the Brewers¡¯ radio booth, Bob¡¯s trademark wit became a staple of television and movies. Even with his considerable success in Hollywood, Bob remained fiercely loyal to baseball and to Milwaukee. He loved the game and used his platform to help numerous charitable causes in his hometown and beyond.

¡°Bob was the genuine item: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our National Pastime. We are grateful for this baseball life like no other, and we will never forget him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathy to Bob¡¯s family, his many friends across the game, Brewers fans, and the countless baseball fans who admired him.¡±