As You Dropkick Your Jacket Through the Door

If you grew up watching Mr. Belvedere, you probably know where that title comes from.

I loved that show as a kid. I also loved Major League. And Bob Uecker was a big reason why.

To me, he was the dad on television and Harry Doyle, the announcer for the Cleveland Indians in the movie. It took getting a little older to learn that his real broadcasting home was Milwaukee.

That still makes me smile. I became a fan of Uecker long before I understood what he meant to the city I now call home.

He was born here and called Brewers games for 54 seasons, from 1971 through 2024. Generations of Wisconsin families grew up with that voice. His humor gave people another reason to turn on a game and stick around.

When I picture a baseball announcer, he is still the first person who comes to mind.

The Ford C. Frick Award in 2003 recognized what he contributed to baseball broadcasting. His years supporting Make-A-Wish Wisconsin say something about what he contributed away from the microphone, too. He gave kids the chance to meet him and the Brewers and make memories with them.

It is easy to understand why this city loved him.

And now Milwaukee is going back to the World Series.

After 103 regular-season wins and a sweep of the Dodgers in the NLCS, the Brewers are headed there for the first time since 1982.

I’m a Mets fan, but I am absolutely rooting for Milwaukee in this one.

This is my home. I love this city, and I love seeing it get a moment like this. Fans who have waited decades get to celebrate. Kids get to see something they will remember for the rest of their lives. The rest of the country gets another reason to pay attention to Milwaukee.

The part that hurts is knowing Uecker isn’t here to call it.

He died in January 2025. After all those seasons, all those stories, and everything he gave to baseball and this community, I wish he could be part of this October.

I can’t help wondering what he would say. Whatever it was, I’m pretty sure he would make us laugh.

So, for this World Series, let’s go Brewers.

For the team. For the city. And with a lot of love for Ueck.

That being said, in 2027 I’ll still be rooting for the Mets.