Johnny Carson had no idea.
When the late host of “The Tonight Show” first called Bob Uecker — who died Thursday at age 90 — “Mr. Baseball,” Carson didn’t know if Uecker actually played baseball.
“The first time he did it, it made me laugh, I was still backstage,” Uecker told Bob Costas in a previous interview. “I heard him say: Sir. Baseball game with us tonight. Johnny shakes everyone's hand and I hear him say to Ed McMahon, “Did that guy really play baseball?” “I think so, I don't know,” Ed said.
“That slogan has become popular on The Tonight Show anyway and everyone else now.”
Uecker had already become known as “Mr. Baseball,” emerging as a beloved figure for his wild personality and cameo appearances with Carson in the “Major League” films and in Miller Lite commercials, among others.
The former fisherman told Costas that he was informed that he had appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Carson a record 62 times, while appearing more than 100 times in total.
Carson hosted the show from 1962 to 1992 before Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and current host Jimmy Fallon took the seat behind the desk.
Uecker made his way onto the show after his friend Al Hirt recommended him to Carson.
“Well, of course, it's World Series time,” Uecker told Carson during a September 1971 episode, “and as I said before, when the word baseball is mentioned, I think my name will automatically come to your account.” mind.”
Uecker became a prominent media personality after spending six seasons in the major leagues from 1962 to 1967, playing for the Braves (in Milwaukee and Atlanta), Cardinals and Phillies.
He won a World Series title with St. Louis in 1964.
Uecker became the Brewers' radio broadcaster in 1971 and has served in that role for the past 54 seasons.
“While this backup catcher was known for his self-deprecating style, Bob Uecker was one of the game's most beloved figures throughout his 70-year baseball career,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Near the beginning of his remarkable 54-year career in the Brewers' radio booth, Bob's business savvy became a staple of television and movies.
“Bob was a real asset: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our national pastime.”
