Bob Uecker

Baseball’s resident jokester batted over .300 three times in the minors but swung a weak stick in the majors. He survived on good defensive ability and a rifle arm. Playing for Louisville in 1961 in the American Association, he led all catchers in fielding.

Some memorable moments in the big leagues included September 1, 1964 when his ninth-inning homer for the Cardinals beat the Braves 5-4 and kept St. Louis in the pennant race. Playing for the Braves on June 21, 1967, he collected five RBI, including a grand slam, as the Braves beat the Giants 9-2. But when asked to list his greatest achievements as a player, the funnyman answered, “Getting out of a rundown, and driving home the winning run by walking with the bases loaded.” Besides his frequent beer commercial appearances and his role on the TV sitcom Mr. Belvedere, Uecker has been a long-time Brewers broadcaster and played himself in that role in the movie Major League (1989).