Let's face it. Umpiring is not an easy or happy way to make a living. In the abuse they suffer, and the pay they get for it, you see an imbalance that can only be explained by their need to stay close to a game they can't resist.
I had slumps that lasted into the winter.
You know, I was once named Minor League Player of the Year... unfortunately, I had been in the majors for two years at the time.
In 1962 I was named Minor League Player of the Year. It was my second season in the bigs.
I didn't get a lot of awards as a player. But they did have a Bob Uecker Day Off for me once in Philly.
I set records that will never be equaled. In fact, I hope 90% of them don't even get printed.
I think my top salary was maybe in 1966. I made $17,000 and 11 of that came from selling other players' equipment.
We were on for six years. We were in syndication for a while. It had its run. I still see the people from 'Mr. Belvedere,' too. We stay in touch.
Any teammate of mine that had a kid and a boy that was capable of playing baseball, I think I set a terrific example of 'Don't do this' and 'Don't do that.' And that's one of the things that I'm most proud of.
Where would I be without baseball? Who am I without baseball?