Remembering Bob Uecker – Here’s How Johnny Carson Gave Him His ‘Mr. Baseball’ Nickname

The legendary face of baseball, Bob Uecker, sadly died last Thursday at the age of 90. In the wake of his death, the way that he earned the nickname “Mr. Baseball” from the late great Tonight Show host Johnny Carson has been revealed.

How Mr. Baseball Got His Name

Fans will likely be surprised to learn that when Carson initially gave Uecker this nickname, he didn’t know if he played baseball or not!

“The first time he did it, it made me laugh, I was still backstage” Uecker later said. “I heard him say, ‘Mr. Baseball’ is with us tonight. Johnny shakes hands with everyone and I hear him say to Ed McMahon, ‘Did that guy really play baseball?’ And Ed said, ‘I think so, I don’t know.’

“It became a catchphrase with The Tonight Show anyway and everybody else now,” he added.

Uecker went on to say that he appeared on The Tonight Show with Carson a record 62 times. He was even featured more than 100 times in total.

Not bad for a guy from little old Milwaukee.

Watch Uecker talk more about this in the video below.

Related: Baseball World Mourns The Loss Of An Icon: Bob Uecker Passes Away At The Age Of 90

Uecker Gets Himself On The Tonight Show

Carson hosted The Tonight Show from 1962 until 1992, when he handed over the reigns to Jay Leno. Uecker managed to get himself on The Tonight Show after he was recommended to Carson by his friend Al Hirt.

“Well, of course, it is World Series time,” Uecker said to Carson during a Tonight Show episode that aired in September of 1971, “and as I’ve said before, when the word baseball is mentioned, I guess my name would automatically come to your mind.”

Check out that appearance for yourself in the video below.

Uecker was a professional baseball player from 1962 until 1967. During that time, he played for the Braves (in Milwaukee and Atlanta), Cardinals and Phillies. His career highlight came when he won a World Series title with St. Louis in 1964.

After he retired, Uecker became a radio announcer for the Brewers in 1971. He served in that role for the next 54 seasons.

Related: The Milwaukee Brewers Clinched The NL Central And Bob Uecker Joined In The Celebration

Uecker’s Death

Carson died in 2009 at the age of 79. As for Uecker, he was 90 when he passed away last week.

“Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss,” the Brewers said in a statement after Uecker’s death. “He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends.”

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred paid tribute to Uecker as well.

“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,” Manfred said in a statement. “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.

“Bob was the genuine item: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our National Pastime,” he concluded.

While Uecker will be dearly missed, we can all find comfort in knowing that he is at peace. Here’s hoping that Mr. Baseball and Johnny Carson are having a laugh together in Heaven right now!