Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy isn't one to let emotions fade quietly. Just days before the National League Division Series opener against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, he revealed a new tattoo—a permanent replica of the team's uniform patch honoring the late Bob Uecker. The ink, shown off on social media Friday, captures the broadcaster's iconic silhouette, a nod to the man who voiced Brewers games for over half a century. It's a bold move, especially now, with the playoffs looming and the sting of Uecker's passing still fresh from earlier this year.
Uecker, who died in late 2024 after battling cancer, wasn't just a voice in the booth; he was the soul of the franchise. At 90, his wit and warmth defined Milwaukee baseball, from World Series calls to those endless jokes about his playing days. Murphy, in his second season at the helm, has made it clear: the 2025 campaign is dedicated to "Mr. Baseball." Back in February, during spring training, he gathered the team for a locker-room speech, emphasizing Uecker's character as a lesson in resilience. Indeed, that moment set the tone for a season where the Brewers surged to the best record in baseball, clinching the NL Central with 91 wins despite early doubts.
But Murphy's tributes haven't stopped at words. Remember that September night when the Brewers locked up their playoff spot with a walk-off win over the Reds? He read a heartfelt letter to the clubhouse, supposedly from Uecker himself—congratulating the boys on the invitation to October. It turned heads, sparking some backlash when it emerged Murphy had penned it in Uecker's voice. A team spokesman quickly clarified: it was meant as an honor, not a hoax. Murphy doubled down on radio, saying it connected players to the club's history. Moreover, after a dramatic comeback against those same Reds in August, he credited Uecker outright for the victory, as if the legend were still pulling strings from above.
Now, with this tattoo, Murphy's commitment feels even more personal. It's on his arm, right where the patch sat all season, a subtle yet unmistakable reminder amid the playoff frenzy. The Brewers face a tough Cubs squad, but gestures like this might just fuel the fire. As Milwaukee steps into the spotlight once more, one wonders how Uecker's spirit will echo through the games ahead.