Milwaukee Radio: Block Exits Brewers For Pirates

Joe Block

Joe Block is leaving his position as radio sidekick to Bob Uecker for Milwaukee Brewers broadcasts to become the No. 1 man in the booth for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

According to jsonline.com, Jeff Levering, who joined the Brewers' radio broadcasts as the No. 3 man last season, filling in for Uecker on selected road trips, will move up to replace Block, the team announced. Knowing Block had a solid chance to get the Pittsburgh job, the Brewers already had begun accepting applications to hire a replacement for Levering.

"This is a bittersweet time," said the 37-year-old Block. "I am elated to be joining the Pirates' broadcast team but saddened that I'll no longer be a part of the Brewers' organization...

"Working with Bob Uecker is unquestionably the greatest privilege I've had as a broadcaster. Our relationship has developed into one of the truest friendships I've ever known. I hope you've felt that fun as you've listened. I will miss this, a lot."

"We know Joe is going to do a great job," said Tyler Barnes, vice president of communications for the Brewers. "It’s an opportunity for him to move into a lead role. It's a great testament to not only his talents but also to Ueck, for how he has mentored a good string of candidates to move on to No. 1 roles in other cities.

Barnes said the Brewers already have received close to 200 applications to fill the opening created by Block's departure. And he said the club will move aggressively to make a hire.