Bob Uecker, renowned for his dual contributions to baseball and acting, is famously remembered for his catchphrase, “Juuuust a bit outside!”
Milwaukee fans have savored his broadcasts of Brewers games for over fifty years, but Uecker showcased his comedic and play-by-play skills to a broader audience in the 1989 hit film “Major League,” where he portrayed the character of Harry Doyle, the announcer for the Cleveland team.
David S. Ward, the director of the film, expressed on Thursday evening how Uecker was instrumental in shaping Doyle, describing him as a sort of narrator whose unique attitude brought a palpable comic irreverence to the overall film.
The Milwaukee Brewers confirmed Uecker’s passing at age 90 on Thursday morning, indicating that he had been fighting small cell lung cancer since early 2023.
In addition to his impressive broadcasting career, Uecker had his share of acting success, including a notable role on the ABC sitcom “Mr. Belvedere.”
Ward shared his admiration for Uecker, remembering him as a genuinely kind individual infused with humor and an uplifting spirit. “He was just a terrific man. He was funny, he was positive. He just had a certain spring in his walk, just a bundle of good energy,” Ward noted. He went on to say that Uecker’s comedic talents sometimes disguised a disciplined and intellectual demeanor, highlighting Uecker’s wide-ranging cultural interests.
Uecker’s portrayal of Doyle contributed to the film’s charm with the character’s exaggerated enthusiasm and frustrations as the home team fumbled at the season’s outset before making a stunning comeback.
Ward credited Uecker’s perfectly timed, deadpan delivery, which brought authenticity to the film’s baseball scenes and the humor that audiences found so appealing.
“Once I started writing it, I really couldn’t think of anyone else to do it. I don’t know what I would have done if we didn’t get him,” he remarked.
One of the most memorable moments in “Major League” occurs when character Ricky Vaughn, played by Charlie Sheen, throws an errant pitch that careens off the backstop.
In an effort to put a positive spin on the pitcher’s performance, Uecker delivered the now-iconic line, “Juuuust a bit outside! He tried the corner and missed.”
Ward fondly recalled how Uecker seamlessly added that extra line, elevating the delivery. “That is the perfect cherry on top of the sundae,” he remarked, noting that Uecker’s unique delivery helped create a lasting memory.
Not just a source of comedic genius for the film, Uecker’s infectious charm extended off-screen, winning him admiration among his fellow actors.
Ward observed, “He never had scenes with the other actors. He was always in the booth. The other actors would come to set on the days that he was shooting, just because they wanted to be around him.” This speaks volumes about Uecker’s magnetic and lighthearted presence, a rare quality in the competitive world of acting.