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Revision as of 02:26, 8 November 2004
Robert George Uecker (born January 26, 1935) is an American former Major League Baseball player, later a broadcaster and actor.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Uecker signed a professional contract with his hometown Milwaukee Braves in 1956. He made his major league debut as a catcher with the Braves in 1962. A mediocre hitter who finished with a career batting average of .200, Uecker also played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies before returning to the Braves, who had by then moved to Atlanta. He closed his 6-year career in 1967.
After retiring as a player, Uecker returned to Milwaukee and became a broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers. Known for his humor, particularly about his undistinguished playing career, Uecker actually became much better known after he retired. He published an autobiography called Catcher in the Wry and also pursued an acting career. He played the part of George Owens in the television sitcom Mr. Belvedere, and has also appeared in a number of commercials.
In 2003, he was the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, bestowed annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for "major contributions to baseball."