For Kara shirts (WMTV)

UW-Whitewater gymnastics named their meet in Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in Williams Center against Simpson College on January 18 in honor of Kara Welsh. An incoming senior from Plainfield, Illinois, Welsh was allegedly killed on August 30 in a shooting in a downtown apartment by another student with whom she had a relationship. Welsh was the 2023 national champion in the vault. She was also a two-time WIAC Champion in the vault, tying the program record in 2024.

In advance of the meet, Jennifer Regan, head coach said, “As Warhawk gymnastics begins a new season, Kara Welsh is in our hearts and minds. She was a positive light and a source of inspiration for everyone who knew her. We plan to honor Kara and her legacy inside the gym and out, by supporting one another and pursuing excellence in a sport that we love. This season is for her.”

According to a report on WMTV, “during the meet members of the Whitewater team and fans wore customized t-shirts with the words ‘for her,’ in honor of Kara.” The video from WMTV may be viewed here.

Previous articles on The Whitewater Banner regarding Welsh and the shooting may be found here and here.

Get ready to hit the field! The Quad County League is excited to announce the 2025 Youth Baseball and Softball Recreation Program. This program provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to stay active, learn new skills, and build friendships while enjoying America’s favorite pastime.

Program Details:
The Quad County League includes teams from surrounding communities, offering opportunities for players at the following grade levels:

• 2nd Grade Softball (participating in the Windmill League, based in Lake Mills)
• 3rd & 4th Grade Baseball
• 5th & 6th Grade Baseball
• 7th & 8th Grade Baseball
  
  Key Information:
• Practices: Held twice a week in April and at least once a week during the May season.
• Games: Approximately 12 regular-season games, culminating in an end-of-season league tournament (typically the third week of July).
• Sessions: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM (based on availability).

• Baseball & Softball:
• Included Gear: Players receive a hat/visor, jersey, and drawstring bag.
• What to Bring: Players must purchase their own pants, and baseball cleats are recommended (no metal spikes allowed).
• Teamwork and Development: Kids will develop social skills, learn to work as a team, and compete in a supportive environment.
• Registration deadline: March 28, 2025
• How to Register: Visit www.wwparks.org to sign up today!
  

• Tee Ball & Rookie Ball:
• Focus on Fun and Learning: Young players will learn the basics of the game, improve their skills, and have fun working with teammates.
• Included Gear: Players receive a shirt (baseball cleats are optional).
  
  Registration Deadline: May 16, 2025
  How to Register: Visit www.wwparks.org to sign up today!
• Volunteers Needed:
  A successful season depends on the support of volunteer coaches. If you’re passionate about helping kids learn and grow, consider becoming a coach for the season!
  
  Don’t miss this opportunity to get your child involved in a fun and enriching program.
  Let’s make this season a home run!

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released the following statement regarding the passing of Bob Uecker: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of Wisconsin’s own, Mr. Baseball himself, the great Bob Uecker. For more than 50 years, Bob brought the magic of the ballpark to life for so many, and I am sure I speak for Brewers fans everywhere when I say we gladly would have had him for 50 more. “He wasn’t just a comedian and a great announcer—Bob was a man of character and integrity. Throughout his career, he made countless contributions to the history and culture of Major League Baseball, and he was active in giving back to our communities and our state. Boy, we’re going to miss him. “He was beloved, not just in Wisconsin but across the country. He was a giant, and I—like so many other lifelong Brewers fans—will miss hearing his enthusiasm and love for the game and our Brewers on the airwaves. It’s a sad day. Kathy and I are thinking of his family, friends, the Brew Crew, and all those who knew and loved Ueck. He will always be remembered.”

The following statement was released by Uecker’s family:

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Bob. To many, he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more. Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he met with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter. He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished. While his contributions to the game are noteworthy, it is his kindness, humility, and love for family and friends that we will hold closest to our hearts. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time as we grieve and celebrate the man we were so lucky to call ours.” — The family of Bob Uecker

In a statement released by the club, Uecker’s family said he had battled small cell lung cancer since early 2023. “Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter,” the family said.

This statement was released by the Milwaukee Brewers:

“Today, we take on the heaviest of burdens. Today, we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker. Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends. Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and storytelling, so it is no surprise that his passing now leaves us at a loss for our own words There is no describing the impact Ueck had on so many, and no words for how much he was loved. We are left with a giant void in our hearts, but also remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives throughout the years.” — Milwaukee Brewers

From Wikipedia:

Robert George Uecker (/ˈjuːkər/ YOO-kər; January 26, 1934 – January 16, 2025), better known as Bob Uecker, was an American professional baseball catcher and sportscaster who served as the primary broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB) for 54 seasons.

Uecker signed with his hometown Milwaukee Braves in 1956, spending several years in the minor leagues with various affiliate clubs before making his major league debut in 1962. As a backup catcher, he played for the Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves from 1962 to 1967. He won a World Series with the Cardinals in 1964.

After retiring, Uecker started a broadcasting career and served as a play-by-play announcer for Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcasts from 1971. Uecker became known for his self-deprecating wit and became a regular fixture on late night talk shows in the 1970s and 1980s, facetiously dubbed “Mr. Baseball” by TV talk show host Johnny Carson. He hosted several sports blooper shows and had an acting career that included his role as George Owens on the television program Mr. Belvedere and as play-by-play announcer Harry Doyle in the film Major League and its two sequels.

Uecker was honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame with its 2003 Ford C. Frick Award in recognition of his broadcasting career.

….Prior to the 2021 season, Uecker had never signed an official written contract with the Brewers to do the team’s play-by-play, instead agreeing to do so via an undisclosed number of handshake agreements with either Bud Selig or Mark Attanasio, the owners of the team. He signed a contract in 2021, in order to be covered under the Brewers’ health insurance plan after cuts to his SAG-AFTRA benefits for acting work.^[14][15]

From 2022 to 2024, Uecker teamed with Jeff Levering and Lane Grindle to call Brewers home games on WTMJ in Milwaukee and the Brewers Radio Network throughout Wisconsin.^[16] He was well known for saying his catchphrase “Get up! Get up! Get outta here! Gone!” when a Brewers player hit a home run.^[1