Brewers broadcaster Uecker to have surgery

MILWAUKEE, April 27 (UPI) -- Milwaukee Brewers' Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Uecker said Tuesday he will undergo heart surgery and miss 10-12 weeks of the season.

Uecker, 75, told a packed news conference in Milwaukee the procedure will be performed Friday by Dr. Alfred Nicolosi, who will replace his aortic valve and a portion of his aortic root at the Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin, MLB.com reported.

After the procedure is complete, an assessment will be made on whether additional bypass surgery is needed, the Web site said.

"It has to be done -- that's the bottom line," said Uecker, who is in his 40th season in the Brewers' radio booth. "I don't want to go on the road and 'take a Dixie' there. I'd rather do it here."

Among those standing by his side as Uecker made the announcement were Brewers players Prince Fielder, Trevor Hoffman, Rickie Weeks, Casey McGehee, Jim Edmonds and Wisconsin native Craig Counsell, MLB.com reported.