"In a way, there is no 'Major League' without Bob Uecker," Director David S. Ward told me in a phone call. The world became a sadder and much less funny place on Thursday when it was announced that Bob Uecker passed away at the age of 90.

Uecker, who died Jan. 16 at the age of 90, was a career .200 hitter across six seasons in Major League Baseball. He ultimately embraced his own ineptitude, often mocking himself for his lack of ability on the diamond.