Bob Uecker (1/26/1934 – 1/16/2025) – Uecker was drafted by the Brewers and made his MLB debut in 1962. He played in five seasons for four different teams (Brewers, Cardinals, Phillies & Braves) with modest results. He hit .200 with 14 HR in his career. He became the play-by-play announcer for the Brewers and held that position for 54 years. I remember him best for his role in the movie Major League as Indian’s announcer Harry Doyle as well as his many appearances on The Tonight Show. He also had a starring role in Mr. Belvedere. Uecker was hilarious with a dry wit and a very affable nature.
George Foreman (1/10/1949 – 3/21/2025) – Considered one of the greatest and most fearsome heavyweight boxers of all time, Foreman won the gold medal in the 1968 Summer Olympics. He became the heavyweight champion in 1973 knocking out Joe Frazier in the second round. Of course, his most famous fight was against Muhammed Ali in 1974 which became known as “The Rumble in the Jungle.” It would be Foreman’s first professional loss. He would retire in 1977 and go on to become a minister. That all happened before my time, but I did witness his comeback in 1987 and his bout with Evander Holyfield in 1991. Foreman would eventually become the oldest world heavyweight champion in 1994 at age 45 knocking out 26-year-old Michael Moorer. He also made millions with the George Foreman grill. He had 12 children with five sons all named George.
