This story has been updated to include new information.
There were fireworks, Gatorade dumps and plenty of on-field revelry after the Milwaukee Brewers punched their ticket to the playoffs and scored a walk-off win Sept. 13.
But back in the clubhouse, the moment turned quiet and heartfelt as Brewers manager Pat Murphy read a letter handed to him by principal owner Mark Attanasio.
It was a message supposedly from Bob Uecker, later revealed to be penned by Murphy — a tribute to the late broadcaster who wasn’t there to see the team clinch a playoff berth for the seventh time in eight seasons.
“Howdy, boys. Never a doubt you would get this invitation. You did it by believing. Really miss you guys, and I wish I was there,” Murphy read.
“The God Almighty picked me to be on his team up here, albeit I’m the third catcher,” he said to players’ chuckles. “Told the big guy about you guys. You play hard every night. You’re not afraid to play for each other. He’s obviously very interested in the group with this uncommon goodness.”
“I know you guys really don’t need me, but I’ve got to tell you, but I’ll be on the headset every night watching. Don’t forget to take it all in, enjoy it, keep it light and believe in each other.”
Murphy raised a toast to Uecker and joked the champagne was “supposed to be non-alcoholic,” capping off the tender moment.
Holding his champagne flute and wearing an “October Baseball” shirt, Christian Yelich hinted at a bigger celebration to come.
“You remember that for the rest of your life, right? You should enjoy it, and you should take it in. But it’s not the end, right?” Yelich said. “We’re this kind of team because of how much we care for each other.”
The Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals in the final game of the series at 1:10 p.m. Sept. 14.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: After Brewers punch ticket to playoffs, Pat Murphy pays tribute to Bob Uecker with letter
Reporting by Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
