Johnny Carson had no idea.
When the late host of “The Tonight Show” first dubbed Bob Uecker — who died Thursday at the age of 90 — “Mr. Baseball,” Carson did not know whether Uecker actually played baseball.
“The first time he did it, it made me laugh, I was still backstage” Uecker told Bob Costas in a past interview. “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.”
Carson (r) and Uecker (l) in 1985. @24tv48/YouTube
Uecker indeed came to be known as “Mr. Baseball,” emerging as a beloved figure for his wild personality and notable cameos with Carson, in the “Major League” films and in Miller Lite commercials, among others.
The former catcher told Costas he had been informed that he appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Carson a record 62 times, while he’s been featured more than 100 times in total.
Bob Uecker (l) and Johnny Carson (r) in 1971. @johnnycarson/YouTube
Carson hosted the show from 1962-92 before Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and current host Jimmy Fallon took the seat behind the desk.
Uecker worked his way onto the show after being recommended by friend Al Hirt to Carson.
“Well, of course, it is World Series time,” Uecker said to Carson during an episode 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.”
Uecker became a notable media personality after spending six seasons in the majors from 1962-67, playing for the Braves (in Milwaukee and Atlanta), Cardinals and Phillies.
He won a World Series title with St. Louis in 1964.
Uecker became a radio announcer for the Brewers in 1971 and served in that role for the past 54 seasons.
Bob Uecker calling a Brewers game. AP
“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,” MLB Commissioner Rob 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.”
