Bob Uecker was a famously mediocre Major League hitter who discovered that he was much more comfortable at a microphone than home plate. And that was just the start of a second career in entertainment that reached far beyond the ballpark.

Bob Uecker took a radio gig with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1971. He stayed in that job the rest of his career, becoming a franchise and national icon.

Uecker was best known as a colorful comedian and broadcaster who earned his nickname during one of his numerous appearances on Johnny Carson’s late night show.