UECK Premiere at the Milwaukee Film Festival
4/18/2026
“UECK” was a huge hit at the Milwaukee film festival, quickly selling out two shows – the fastest opening night film sellout the festival had ever seen in its 18-year history.
From the Milwaukee Journal’s coverage:
A look at the ‘Ueck’ premiere, documentary
As ticketholders waited in line outside for the doors to open, they were greeted by The Famous Racing Sausages.
When fans – many dressed in Brewers gear or colorful plaids – entered the theatre, they were met with odes to the beloved broadcaster, who to many, felt like an old friend.
They were offered a Miller Lite – a nice touch with Uecker being a commercial fixture for the brew.
“Ice cold beer! Everybody gets one free Miller Lite,” a man shouted as if he was a beer vendor at the ballpark.
From the stage under the screen, an organist – another nod to Ueck’s second home – entertained fans snagging seats and settling in.
During the organist’s “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” finale, fans cheered as the instrument and its player were lowered out of sight.
During an intro, filmmakers said many thank-you’s, including to the entire Uecker family, with members in attendance. After raising a glass, err, can to Uecker, it was showtime.
What did fans think of the ‘Ueck’ documentary?
“You hear about these things that he’s done with his life. But, to see it play out in the way that it did was pretty incredible,” Selena Serrano said, holding back tears.
Serrano and her friend, Bonnie Bluedorn – both Milwaukee born and raised – have gone to many baseball games together over the years.
Having seen the preview on Opening Day, Bluedorn knew she was going to cry. Though, the laughs outweighed the tears, she said.
“He’s the voice of our summers,” Bluedorn said. “I grew up with him. I still miss him.”
As a little boy, Jay Scott would listen to Uecker on his transistor radio.
“I always said that my childhood was still alive as long as Bob Uecker was doing the radio,” he said. “I guess my childhood lasted 64 years, so that’s pretty good.”
What especially struck him was the relationships Uecker shared with Yount and Yelich, one of the few who knew of his cancer diagnosis.
“The trust, the friendship, the depth of their relationships was pretty inspiring, and beautiful,” Scott said.
Scott’s wife, Carolyn, called the film “unbelievable” and a “beautiful legacy of Milwaukee.”
“This is just so good for Milwaukee and this film tonight kind of brings it all home,” she said.
Sisters Macie and Lexi Todd thought it was really cool to see Uecker’s career story, all the hats he wore, and all he did for the community.
“I also didn’t realize how funny he was,” Lexi said.
“At all,” Macie added. “He has so many one-liners, it was amazing.”