8 Little-Known Facts About Baseball Legend Jack Buck
As one of the most iconic broadcasters in the world of baseball, Jack Buck had a career that spanned more than four decades. While many people know him for his multitude of classic calls and his signature voice, there are some fascinating facts about his life that you may not know. In this article, we will delve deeper into the life of this baseball legend, exploring eight little-known facts about Jack Buck that fans will surely enjoy.
Fact #1: Buck Was a Military Veteran
Before his time as a broadcaster, Buck served in the US Army during WWII. He was part of the 84th Infantry Division, serving in Europe and earning a Purple Heart. It’s this patriotism that can still be felt in many of his iconic calls, such as when he cried “Go crazy, folks! Go crazy!” after Ozzie Smith hit a game-winning home run in the 1985 NLCS.
Fact #2: Buck Started His Broadcast Career In Basketball
While Buck is known for his baseball calls, his broadcasting career actually began in basketball. In fact, Buck covered the St. Louis University Billikens before moving on to the St. Louis Hawks and eventually being hired by the Cardinals.
Fact #3: Buck Had a Relationship with President George H. W. Bush
As a proud Republican, Buck had a close relationship with President George H.W. Bush. Buck would attend many of the President’s events, and the two would often play golf together. Additionally, Buck was the first person that Bush contacted after his Gulf War speech in 1991.
Fact #4: Buck Co-Wrote a Best-Selling Book
In 1997, Buck co-wrote a book called “That’s a Winner!: VHS Edition.” The book, which was co-written with business associate Rob Rains, became a best-seller and provided an in-depth look at Buck’s life and career.
Fact #5: Buck Started the “Buck’s for Kids” Charity
After losing his grandson to leukemia, Buck started a charity called Buck’s for Kids. The charity raises money to support families whose children are undergoing treatment for cancer. To date, the charity has raised over $5 million.
Fact #6: Buck Had a Passion for Horse Racing
In addition to baseball, Buck had a passion for horse racing. He was a part-owner of several racehorses and even called the Kentucky Derby on occasion.
Fact #7: Buck Was Inducted Into Numerous Halls of Fame
Buck’s contributions to baseball have been recognized in several different ways. He has been inducted into the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame, the National Radio Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Fact #8: Buck Had a Lasting Impact on the Game of Baseball
Due to his long, storied career, Buck had a lasting impact on the game of baseball. In fact, his call of Kirk Gibson’s home run in the 1988 World Series is still remembered as one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. Buck’s passion for the game, combined with his undeniable talent, made him an all-time great both on and off the field.
FAQs
Q1. When did Jack Buck start his broadcasting career?
A1. Jack Buck started his broadcasting career in basketball before eventually becoming a St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster.
Q2. What was Jack Buck’s relationship with President George H.W. Bush?
A2. Jack Buck had a close relationship with President George H.W. Bush. As a proud Republican, Buck would attend many of the President’s events, and the two would often play golf together.
Q3. What was Buck’s for Kids and how did it help?
A3. Buck’s for Kids was a charity started by Jack Buck that raised money to support families whose children are undergoing treatment for cancer. To date, the charity has raised over $5 million.
Q4. What was Buck’s contribution to horse racing?
A4. Jack Buck had a passion for horse racing and was a part-owner of several racehorses. He even called the Kentucky Derby on occasion.
Q5. What hall of fame was Jack Buck inducted into?
A5. Jack Buck was inducted into the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame, the National Radio Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Q6. What book did Jack Buck write?
A6. Jack Buck co-wrote a book called “That’s a Winner!: VHS Edition” that became a best-seller and provided an in-depth look at Buck’s life and career.
Q7. What was Jack Buck’s lasting impact on baseball?
A7. Buck had a lasting impact on the game of baseball through his passion for the game and his undeniable talent. His call of Kirk Gibson’s home run in the 1988 World Series is still remembered as one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.
Conclusion
Jack Buck was a legendary figure in the world of baseball, known for his iconic calls and his unwavering passion for the game. However, as we’ve seen in this article, there’s much more to his story than just what you hear in highlight reels. Whether he was serving his country, starting a charity, or co-writing a book, Buck embodied the spirit of determination and dedication that we all admire. As baseball fans, we owe him a great debt of gratitude for the impact he had on the game, and we can all learn a lesson from the way he lived his life.