Uecker Still Is Able to Leave ‘Em in Stitches

Although Bob Uecker lost 20 pounds after life-threatening surgery for an aneurysm, he didn’t lose his sense of humor.

Asked why he broadcast a Milwaukee Brewers game after learning of his illness, Uecker quipped: “I decided to work the game that night because I had an aneurysm clause in my contract. You work with an aneurysm, you get a bonus.”

Uecker said he was trying to return to a normal routine, adding: “I’m eating and doing everything I can do, driving--pretty much on the sidewalks, because I don’t want to try the streets yet.”

Asked if the condition was genetic, he said: “Our dog had it, but it’s OK now.”

Uecker said he plans to start a fitness program, explaining: “I’m doing now about what I did in spring training when I played--about an eighth of a situp, which kind of wears me out.”

The rookie: Singer James Brown joined the Atlanta Falcons for a recent practice. Outfitted in a black Falcon cap and sweat pants, Brown took handoffs during drills.

Asked how he felt after the workout, Brown crooned: “I feel goooooooooood. “

Trivia time: What was Elvis Presley’s favorite football team?

Home alone: The Raiders must finally be in Los Angeles to stay. After living in a hotel for nine years, Raider executive Al LoCasale has bought a home in Southern California.

Although the Raiders moved to Los Angeles in 1982, LoCasale never sold his house in Alameda, commuting on weekends to be with his wife and two sons. But after Al Davis announced that the Raiders would remain in Los Angeles, LaCosale finally moved out of an El Segundo hotel.

LoCasale bought an El Segundo home from former Raider Todd Christensen, who recently moved to Salt Lake City. The house was built by John Brett, whose brother, George, plays for the Kansas City Royals.

“We thought if the kids were going to fight over the bedrooms, they’d fight over the bedroom where George Brett slept when he visited the house,” LoCasale said. “But they didn’t fight.”

Oops: After the Rams signed top draft choice Todd Lyght Friday, KABC sportscaster Jim Hill announced: “When the Rams play the Seattle SuperSonics, top draft pick Todd Lyght will be on the sidelines.”

Dept. of cuteness: After the New York Yankees benched slugger Don Mattingly for refusing to get a haircut, the New York Post headlined the story: “Play Bald!”

Trivia answer: The Pittsburgh Steelers.

Quotebook: Bubba Paris, offensive tackle of the San Francisco 49ers, who after reporting to camp at 327 pounds was put on a strict conditioning regimen: “I know now it’s possible to eat a lot of food and still lose weight.”