AN ACCIDENTAL INSTITUTION.

Spring training is in progress, with a few spectators watching the games (and chasing home runs on the grass outside the fence) and Bob Uecker is again calling the plays.

A Milwaukee native who played for the Braves -- seriously, Uecker was a bona fide big leaguer, no matter what he’s told you over the years. He joined the fledgling Brewers as a scout, but soon fell out of favor with GM Frank Lane when reports arrived smothered in mashed potatoes and gravy. That’s a true story.

He began stopping by the radio booth that summer of ’71 to provide some color for broadcasters Merle Harmon and Tom Collins, meaning that sometime this year -- Uecker and the club aren’t exactly sure of the precise date -- Uecker will celebrate his 50th anniversary on the air for the Brewers.

By ’72 it was a regular gig, and Uecker called play-by-play in the fifth inning. One day at Yankee Stadium, Harmon and Collins abruptly stood up and left the booth. Uecker held down the cough button and begged them to come back. Eventually, he was forced to start talking.

Brewer players have voted him a share of the playoff money each of the past three post-seasons, and does any other broadcaster have his home run call in lights?

Milwaukee's corona tyrants have consented to allow attendance at Brewer games, but they continue to demonstrate who is lord protector by prohibiting tailgate parties.  "If the vaccine program progresses and the pandemic eases throughout the season, the Brewers hope they will be allowed to increase their capacity."   What's the over-under on spontaneous games of catch or beanbag by Memorial Day?

Welcome back, Bob Uecker.