The broadcasting great — and member of the 1964 Cardinals World Series team, of course — has passed away. Per the story, here's how he got the post-playing break that led to his announcing and acting career.

“Ueck” got his big break off the field after opening for Don Rickles at Al Hirt’s nightclub in Atlanta in 1969. That performance caught Hirt’s attention, and the musician set him up to appear on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. He became one of Carson’s favorite guests, making more than 100 appearances.

Carson was the one who dubbed Uecker “Mr. Baseball.” And the name stuck.

RIP Bob.

7 comments

  4. He was the nicest guy ever. I got to meet him on a tour of Busch stadium. He was in Mike Shannon’s booth doing a pre game thing.

    I had my kids with me and they were really little. He shook all their hands and stole a beer from Mikes fridge and gave it to me. Then he asked for 8 bucks. lol.

  6. The post game show is brought to you by… Christ, I can’t find it. To hell with it.

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