Bob Uecker has had discussions with Brewers ownership about whether it made sense to returnGETTY IMAGES
In Milwaukee, Tom Haudricourt noted Brewers announcer Bob Uecker has "never broadcast a baseball game live without actually being on the premises," but he will do it Friday night as the Brewers open the delayed '20 season at Wrigley Field against the Cubs. Uecker will be working games, "mostly those played at home, from Miller Park." Uecker said, "I don't care what booth I'm in. I'm just glad I'm working." Haudricourt noted Uecker has had many discussions with Brewers Owner Mark Attanasio and other club officials "about whether it made sense to return, even if staying primarily in the radio booth." The '20 season was "supposed to be a year-long celebration for both the Brewers and Uecker," as their 50th anniversary coincided with his 50th year in the booth" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 7/23).
CHANGE OF PLANS: In S.F., Bruce Jenkins noted fans "won't see Giants broadcaster Jon Miller on TV, nor will Duane Kuiper take some turns on the radio." Miller generally worked out of the TV booth for games televised by NBC's over-the-air station, but NBC Sports Bay Area has "taken all of this season's available telecasts." Kuiper said that it "makes no sense for people to be moving around from one booth to another." When it comes to radio, Kuiper said, "I don't think Jon or Dave (Flemming) will be missing any games" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/23).
BIG DEBUT: In Atlanta, Steve Hummer noted Baseball HOFer Chipper Jones is "making his first regular foray into big-time broadcasting when he joins ESPN as an analyst." Jones is "going to be terrific, so long as he doesn't let the other voices of the broadcast get in the way of his slow-spoken charm and keen eye for the game," and if he "keeps it a little on the eccentric side ... so much the better." Jones is "uniquely suited to keep it entertaining even calling a game from his den" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 7/21).
