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Lucky Bastard: My Life, My Dad, and the Things I'm Not Allowed to Say on TV
In his debut memoir, Joe Buck talks about his life, his career, and his memorable relationship with his father, legendary sportscaster Jack Buck.
Sports fans see Joe Buck broadcasting one of the biggest games in the NFL every week, calling the World Series every year, announcing the Super Bowl every three years. They know his father, Jack Buck, is a broadcasting legend and that he was beloved in his adopted hometown of Saint Louis.
Yet they have no idea who Joe really is. Or how he got here. They don't know how he almost blew his career. They haven't read his funniest and most embarrassing stories or heard about his interactions with the biggest sports stars of this era.
They don't know how hard he can laugh at himself or that he thinks some of his critics have a point. And they don't know what it was really like to grow up in his father's shadow. Joe and Jack were best friends but it wasn't that simple. Jack gave Joe his broadcasting start but it wasn't that easy. And Joe's childhood as the son of a famous broadcaster was not as idyllic as it seemed.
In Lucky Bastard, Joe takes the reader into the broadcast booth and into his childhood home. Hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking, this is a book that any sports fan will love.
"
Sports fans see Joe Buck broadcasting one of the biggest games in the NFL every week, calling the World Series every year, announcing the Super Bowl every three years. They know his father, Jack Buck, is a broadcasting legend and that he was beloved in his adopted hometown of Saint Louis.
Yet they have no idea who Joe really is. Or how he got here. They don't know how he almost blew his career. They haven't read his funniest and most embarrassing stories or heard about his interactions with the biggest sports stars of this era.
They don't know how hard he can laugh at himself or that he thinks some of his critics have a point. And they don't know what it was really like to grow up in his father's shadow. Joe and Jack were best friends but it wasn't that simple. Jack gave Joe his broadcasting start but it wasn't that easy. And Joe's childhood as the son of a famous broadcaster was not as idyllic as it seemed.
In Lucky Bastard, Joe takes the reader into the broadcast booth and into his childhood home. Hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking, this is a book that any sports fan will love.
"
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
177 people are currently reading
1210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
March 14, 2018
If you’re a sports fan, you’ve heard of Joe Buck. He’s on FOX’s number one crew for both football and baseball and he’s everywhere. You either love him, hate him or you’re like me and deeply respect the guy.
Joe Buck is the son of St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Broadcaster Jack Buck. His path to success hasn’t been easy and he works his tail off, harder than most I think. The reason? He’s Jack’s kid and while most everyone thinks he got his start because of his dad, in all reality, it was his mum.
In this memoir, Joe Buck takes off the gloves and censors, sharing his life (both ups and downs) with humorous one-liners one minute and private moments the next. He talks about his dad and what it was like to grow up in the limelight. He talks about his success and downfalls in broadcasting and his obsession for hair plugs. He talks about insecurities, his crumbling marriage and saying good-bye to his beloved father on his deathbed. This is Joe Buck uncensored and I loved every page!
Listen, I didn’t know what to expect from this memoir but the preconceptions I’ve had for Buck have gone out the window. Sure, he’s mega famous but he has to put on his pants on, just like me. Lucky Bastard is a treasure for any sports fan because Buck peels back the curtain and shows what really takes place behind the scenes. Brilliant!
If you’re a baseball fan, you’ll love this inside look into one of the most-admired and hardest-working broadcasters in the biz. If you’re a football fan, you’ll love the stories Buck shares.
A must read that is addictive, funny and heartwarming all at the same time.
Disclaimer: I received a hardcover as a gift.
Favorite Character/Quote: “If they think I’m being foolish, so what? They’ll get over it.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
This review first appeared on N. N. Light's Book Heaven: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si... Come check us out!
Joe Buck is the son of St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Broadcaster Jack Buck. His path to success hasn’t been easy and he works his tail off, harder than most I think. The reason? He’s Jack’s kid and while most everyone thinks he got his start because of his dad, in all reality, it was his mum.
In this memoir, Joe Buck takes off the gloves and censors, sharing his life (both ups and downs) with humorous one-liners one minute and private moments the next. He talks about his dad and what it was like to grow up in the limelight. He talks about his success and downfalls in broadcasting and his obsession for hair plugs. He talks about insecurities, his crumbling marriage and saying good-bye to his beloved father on his deathbed. This is Joe Buck uncensored and I loved every page!
Listen, I didn’t know what to expect from this memoir but the preconceptions I’ve had for Buck have gone out the window. Sure, he’s mega famous but he has to put on his pants on, just like me. Lucky Bastard is a treasure for any sports fan because Buck peels back the curtain and shows what really takes place behind the scenes. Brilliant!
If you’re a baseball fan, you’ll love this inside look into one of the most-admired and hardest-working broadcasters in the biz. If you’re a football fan, you’ll love the stories Buck shares.
A must read that is addictive, funny and heartwarming all at the same time.
Disclaimer: I received a hardcover as a gift.
Favorite Character/Quote: “If they think I’m being foolish, so what? They’ll get over it.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
This review first appeared on N. N. Light's Book Heaven: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si... Come check us out!
February 21, 2017
Dang...now I kinda like Joe Buck. He may not be the most colorful announcer, but he does have a colorful backstory. So what!
February 26, 2017
I enjoyed listening to the author read the audio version of his book. Mr. Buck comes across as honest and with a good sense of humor - especially about himself.
I've always liked Joe Buck. No doubt because I am one of the many St. Louisans who loved his Dad and transferred some of that to the son. But I've also always felt that he has done a good job on his own. A few of the stories in this book where familiar to me. But there was a lot that I never knew about Joe and his Dad. I'm glad I took the time to give this a listen.
I've always liked Joe Buck. No doubt because I am one of the many St. Louisans who loved his Dad and transferred some of that to the son. But I've also always felt that he has done a good job on his own. A few of the stories in this book where familiar to me. But there was a lot that I never knew about Joe and his Dad. I'm glad I took the time to give this a listen.
January 31, 2023
I found that this was a read that changed my impression of someone. It wasn't a book i would normally have chosen. After finishing it, I am very happy I did. I have a totally different opinion on him and can appreciate some things about him and the job he does with a different perspective. I also enjoyed his telling of it. The audio I think in this type of material gains more weight when it is actually the person the book is about. Really good stuff I thought.
May 14, 2018
I will first say that I've always been a fan of Joe Buck. He was the voice of baseball when I started getting into Major League Baseball. I'm actually a little bummed he doesn't do as many games anymore, though I guess taking time to be with his family is important... :)
This was a fairly easy read and entertaining. I've never thought really about the ins and outs of broadcasting, and I learned a lot. Joe Buck comes across as a real person who has ups and downs just like everyone else. It was fun to relive some of the great baseball moments that he broadcast and to learn more about him. Overall, if you are a fan of watching sports on TV, I recommend this book.
Content Warning: Some strong language (though less than I tend to expect from a sports memoir) and some fairly mild sexual references.
2018 challenge: a book about or involving sports
This was a fairly easy read and entertaining. I've never thought really about the ins and outs of broadcasting, and I learned a lot. Joe Buck comes across as a real person who has ups and downs just like everyone else. It was fun to relive some of the great baseball moments that he broadcast and to learn more about him. Overall, if you are a fan of watching sports on TV, I recommend this book.
Content Warning: Some strong language (though less than I tend to expect from a sports memoir) and some fairly mild sexual references.
2018 challenge: a book about or involving sports
February 24, 2017
Joe Buck’s “Lucky B******” is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I found this book to be an entertaining and educational read. Buck wrote this book based on his life, his father, and the things he wasn’t allowed to say on TV. Buck brought us information and first-person point of view to show us readers what it was like to be him and live like him. Buck brings in many details and describes activities and people he met growing up. Buck takes us through life at home, life in St. Louis, his father's job, his un-athletic ability, and experiences along the way to when he follows his dad’s profession. Even though the book might be non-fiction, Buck doesn’t lack anything on providing us with special moments in his life, personal experiences he’s gone through and what relationships played a major role in this book.
Every single detail in this book makes you not want to put it down. Buck writes this book in a way, you feel like you’re there in the stadium with him, getting the excitement of the game, the job and meeting the players. I recommend this book to any sports fan or any commentator fans because Joe Buck is exhilarating and very interesting. Buck wrote this book in first-person and I’m glad he did because if he didn’t all his experiences wouldn’t have felt so real to me and it wouldn’t make me picture it in my head.
The title of this book shows the funny aspect and Buck’s sense of humor. It definitely brings your attention to the book. I love the attention to detail and stories he adds along with the book. The end of the book is just as good as what it was throughout the read. He leaves you in awe and makes you enjoy what life could one day be like just depending on what you do with it.
Every single detail in this book makes you not want to put it down. Buck writes this book in a way, you feel like you’re there in the stadium with him, getting the excitement of the game, the job and meeting the players. I recommend this book to any sports fan or any commentator fans because Joe Buck is exhilarating and very interesting. Buck wrote this book in first-person and I’m glad he did because if he didn’t all his experiences wouldn’t have felt so real to me and it wouldn’t make me picture it in my head.
The title of this book shows the funny aspect and Buck’s sense of humor. It definitely brings your attention to the book. I love the attention to detail and stories he adds along with the book. The end of the book is just as good as what it was throughout the read. He leaves you in awe and makes you enjoy what life could one day be like just depending on what you do with it.
February 7, 2017
I have always been a fan of Joe Buck and this book is a very candid look at his life and the insecurities he has overcome being known as Jack's kid. He is funny and self-deprecating, honest and caring, funny and appreciative, and loves his hometown, Saint Louis.
March 12, 2017
This book will be of interest to Cardinals fans who grew up hearing Jack Buck as the sound track of their summers. Buck shares some very funny stories.
"Baseball is not math class. It’s supposed to be fun."
"Baseball is not math class. It’s supposed to be fun."
March 21, 2017
I would have given this six stars if I could. Loved it so much. It's funny, touching, honest, and an incredible backstory of Joe that I never knew before. Very inspiring that he lived and learned, even late in life, such valuable lessons. I'll take a little bit of this book with me going forward.
July 14, 2017
This was my 1st Audio book, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
As for Joe Buck's book, I have a more appreciative understanding of why he broadcasts in his style. I did not appreciate the cussing he used numerous times in the book. I learned with reading this book his lifestyle which I did not like.
As for Joe Buck's book, I have a more appreciative understanding of why he broadcasts in his style. I did not appreciate the cussing he used numerous times in the book. I learned with reading this book his lifestyle which I did not like.
April 22, 2024
Audiobook, read by the author.
Was a little tired of his voice by the end of the book which is never a good sign. My expectations were somewhat low going in as he's not the most likeable broadcaster. Buck some good sports stories and I learned he ran in the same circles as Paul Rudd and Jon Hamm in his early 20's as St. Louis guys.
Was a little tired of his voice by the end of the book which is never a good sign. My expectations were somewhat low going in as he's not the most likeable broadcaster. Buck some good sports stories and I learned he ran in the same circles as Paul Rudd and Jon Hamm in his early 20's as St. Louis guys.
February 25, 2017
For whatever reason, Joe Buck has become one of the most highly polarizing sports broadcasters in the history of the medium. Simply put, he has as many people who seem to hate his guts as he does supporters. In "Lucky Bastard", Buck tries to set the record straight on exactly who he is and what the journey to get there has been like along the way. His non-nonsense approach and very engaging writing style make it a winner!
In terms of format, "Lucky Bastard" is pretty standard in the memoir department. Buck basically just talks about the major points of his life that lead him to where he is now (lead broadcaster at FOX network), including large sections devoted to his relationship with his father (the legendary Jack Buck), his other family relationships, and even a hair-plug surgery that could have derailed everything.
What really makes the book a rousing success, however, is that Buck has such an engaging writing style...almost to the point where I feel he may have missed his calling in life :) Buck is often criticized for being too monotone or boring in the broadcast booth (perhaps a fair indictment, perhaps not), but with pen in hand he can be funny, emotional, and insightful. I expected much more "screwball"-type stuff from this book, but instead was surprised at how "legitimate", yet fun, it turned out.
Another thing I appreciated from Buck was how he doesn't use the book to bring up old "sour grapes" or try to cement his own legacy. In fact, on one instance, Buck even goes out of the way to promote his broadcast relationship with Tim McCarver (whom he considers a friend) in stark contrast to his Dad's relationship with McCarver. I hate when celebrities (past or present) use their books as some sort of platform (political, personal, or otherwise) and Buck stays away from all that.
Despite the fact that I have been listening to Joe Buck call sporting events for the better part of two decades, I really didn't know anything about his personal life or general personality, something "Lucky Bastard" was able to remedy in a very engaging fashion. Pile-on the guy all you want for his broadcast work, but I challenge you to read this book and come away having any less than a great deal of respect for him personally.
In terms of format, "Lucky Bastard" is pretty standard in the memoir department. Buck basically just talks about the major points of his life that lead him to where he is now (lead broadcaster at FOX network), including large sections devoted to his relationship with his father (the legendary Jack Buck), his other family relationships, and even a hair-plug surgery that could have derailed everything.
What really makes the book a rousing success, however, is that Buck has such an engaging writing style...almost to the point where I feel he may have missed his calling in life :) Buck is often criticized for being too monotone or boring in the broadcast booth (perhaps a fair indictment, perhaps not), but with pen in hand he can be funny, emotional, and insightful. I expected much more "screwball"-type stuff from this book, but instead was surprised at how "legitimate", yet fun, it turned out.
Another thing I appreciated from Buck was how he doesn't use the book to bring up old "sour grapes" or try to cement his own legacy. In fact, on one instance, Buck even goes out of the way to promote his broadcast relationship with Tim McCarver (whom he considers a friend) in stark contrast to his Dad's relationship with McCarver. I hate when celebrities (past or present) use their books as some sort of platform (political, personal, or otherwise) and Buck stays away from all that.
Despite the fact that I have been listening to Joe Buck call sporting events for the better part of two decades, I really didn't know anything about his personal life or general personality, something "Lucky Bastard" was able to remedy in a very engaging fashion. Pile-on the guy all you want for his broadcast work, but I challenge you to read this book and come away having any less than a great deal of respect for him personally.
February 10, 2017
I've never quite understood the sports world's extreme hatred for Joe Buck. As a Green Bay Packer fan, he is supposed to be one of my least favorite announcers to ever live (ask any other fan). However, I've always thought this was more ignorant sports fans finding the easiest target when their team isn't performing well rather than poor announcing. I've also always thought Buck made good calls and called things as they were. He's never bothered me too much. After reading this book, I respect him more as a broadcaster.
He has an exceptional look into the sports broadcasting world and shares it in great detail in his book. He doesn't seem smug, but rather proud and gracious to have met and known not only some of the best broadcasters of our time, but also some of the best athletes. His relationship with his father, another broadcasting legend, is extremely compelling and a joy to read about.
He has a tough job and is an easy target. People continuously criticize him for being stupid, biased, and boring. In this book, he addresses all of the above and is incredibly self deprecating. He explains whenever he has a "take" on something that happened in a game - he is labeled as biased. When he doesn't have "takes" on anything, he is labeled as boring. I feel that is something every sports fan should think about when they are quick to jump on any announcer. Buck's book provided wonderful insight to his and other broadcasters tough jobs, behind the scenes of the camera and sports, and a complicated family setting to live through.
If you're a sports fan, read it. If you don't like Joe Buck, I'm not sure this will change your mind, but it will make you think about him and his colleagues very differently.
He has an exceptional look into the sports broadcasting world and shares it in great detail in his book. He doesn't seem smug, but rather proud and gracious to have met and known not only some of the best broadcasters of our time, but also some of the best athletes. His relationship with his father, another broadcasting legend, is extremely compelling and a joy to read about.
He has a tough job and is an easy target. People continuously criticize him for being stupid, biased, and boring. In this book, he addresses all of the above and is incredibly self deprecating. He explains whenever he has a "take" on something that happened in a game - he is labeled as biased. When he doesn't have "takes" on anything, he is labeled as boring. I feel that is something every sports fan should think about when they are quick to jump on any announcer. Buck's book provided wonderful insight to his and other broadcasters tough jobs, behind the scenes of the camera and sports, and a complicated family setting to live through.
If you're a sports fan, read it. If you don't like Joe Buck, I'm not sure this will change your mind, but it will make you think about him and his colleagues very differently.
January 29, 2017
Joe Buck is a funny guy. More so than you would expect by listening to the straight play-by-play man.
His specialty is self-deprecating humor. Lucky Bastard opens with Buck doing an NFL game and desperately needing to pee. Since the closest men’s room is too far away to get to during a commercial break, he ends up calling a touchdown while relieving himself in the broadcast booth wastepaper basket. He admits to being a hair transplant addict and explains why he goes to a doctor in New York: “We in the Midwest believe we aren’t capable of such elaborate procedures. We can make you a burger or build your dining room table, and we never run out of ranch dressing. But we’ll leave the fancy hair operations to people who live near an ocean.“
Buck is the top sports announcer on the Fox Network. He does baseball, football and golf. He has called both the Super Bowl and the World Series. His father, Jack Buck, was the long-time play-by-play man for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Joe was brought up in a broadcast booth. Or at least that’s the only part of his childhood we read about in Lucky Bastard. A Cardinals road trip is probably not the ideal environment for raising a child. But it works out pretty well for father-son bonding.
As the story moves on it becomes less funny. We here about his disintegrating marriage, about how he resents people who think he got where he is because of his father, and about how HBO turned out to be pretty crappy employer.
Yet reading this book leaves you with the conclusion that Buck is a pretty good guy. And I will probably appreciate listening to him more for having read it.
His specialty is self-deprecating humor. Lucky Bastard opens with Buck doing an NFL game and desperately needing to pee. Since the closest men’s room is too far away to get to during a commercial break, he ends up calling a touchdown while relieving himself in the broadcast booth wastepaper basket. He admits to being a hair transplant addict and explains why he goes to a doctor in New York: “We in the Midwest believe we aren’t capable of such elaborate procedures. We can make you a burger or build your dining room table, and we never run out of ranch dressing. But we’ll leave the fancy hair operations to people who live near an ocean.“
Buck is the top sports announcer on the Fox Network. He does baseball, football and golf. He has called both the Super Bowl and the World Series. His father, Jack Buck, was the long-time play-by-play man for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Joe was brought up in a broadcast booth. Or at least that’s the only part of his childhood we read about in Lucky Bastard. A Cardinals road trip is probably not the ideal environment for raising a child. But it works out pretty well for father-son bonding.
As the story moves on it becomes less funny. We here about his disintegrating marriage, about how he resents people who think he got where he is because of his father, and about how HBO turned out to be pretty crappy employer.
Yet reading this book leaves you with the conclusion that Buck is a pretty good guy. And I will probably appreciate listening to him more for having read it.
April 9, 2017
I am a huge baseball fan and lived in St. Louis for a while, so I know a lot about Joe Buck. He is the son of the late great Jack Buck, the beloved iconic voice of the St. Louis Cardinals for so many years. Joe is also very good at what he does, but he does not have the charm that his dad had. Joe has always come across to me as spoiled, arrogant and cocky, so I was not necessarily expecting to love this book.
Well, I did (love the book). Thankfully, there is more inside baseball in here the football. And there is also plenty of inside the media stuff as well. Joe is open and candid in this book, sometimes to a fault. There were times I wanted to say: "Enough, Joe! Too much information!"
The book is fast-moving and very entertaining. Good stuff in here on his dad, on Tim McCarver (another polarizing figure) and other in the world of sports and entertainment. Joe is an admitted name-dropper. And I think he knows what he is: the title of this book.
Well, I did (love the book). Thankfully, there is more inside baseball in here the football. And there is also plenty of inside the media stuff as well. Joe is open and candid in this book, sometimes to a fault. There were times I wanted to say: "Enough, Joe! Too much information!"
The book is fast-moving and very entertaining. Good stuff in here on his dad, on Tim McCarver (another polarizing figure) and other in the world of sports and entertainment. Joe is an admitted name-dropper. And I think he knows what he is: the title of this book.
December 4, 2016
I started this book because I saw Joe on Jimmy Fallon show, and I wanted to know why he lost his voice over wanting hair... then I started reading to have info for jokes about him. I also held the belief that his father was the only reason he was where he was.
I am now a Joe Buck fan! I will listen to him with a new ear. I have learned much about sportscasters and I have a new respect for them but most of all I now respect Joe!
I highly recommend this to everyone!!
I am now a Joe Buck fan! I will listen to him with a new ear. I have learned much about sportscasters and I have a new respect for them but most of all I now respect Joe!
I highly recommend this to everyone!!
June 10, 2018
Lucky Bastard review
Growing up the last name Buck is St. Louis royalty so when I saw Lucky Bastard, Joe Buck’s biography an available selection from my library for a book club read choosing it was a no brainer.
I’ve loved Jack Buck the beloved announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals (Go Redbirds) since I was old enough to get my dad a Budweiser while he listened to Harry Caray and Jack Buck call the Cardinals games on KMOX but I never really knew too much about Jack’s son Joe. Yes I’ve seen Joe broadcasting any number of FOX sports games, yes I knew he started his career broadcasting for the Cardinal organization but that’s about it.
Lucky Bastard follows Joe’s life chronologically tells about his family life, growing up in St. Louis, his relationship with his father’s other family and about his relationship to his dad Jack, plus his marriage(s) and his unconditional, all-consuming love for his daughters. It also follows his broadcast career from his simple beginnings broadcasting for the Cardinal’s minor league team the Louisville Redbirds, to his sharing the booth with his dad and Mike Shannon, his breaking into network sports casting with a then brand new television network FOX and his tenure with FOX sports broadcasting NFL and MLB games plus other sports including golf from 1994 to present day.
The thing that surprised me most about Joe after I finished reading the book was his love of his job, his humility, his work ethic and his personal integrity. It’s not a tell-all book but he does go into detail about his strengths, his weaknesses and his fears. And his take on sports casting in the age of social media is really interesting too. Fans of non-fiction, biographies and sports enthusiasts will enjoy this read.
On a side note Joe and his wife Michelle had twin boys born on 4-26-2018 Congrats to the new parents!
Growing up the last name Buck is St. Louis royalty so when I saw Lucky Bastard, Joe Buck’s biography an available selection from my library for a book club read choosing it was a no brainer.
I’ve loved Jack Buck the beloved announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals (Go Redbirds) since I was old enough to get my dad a Budweiser while he listened to Harry Caray and Jack Buck call the Cardinals games on KMOX but I never really knew too much about Jack’s son Joe. Yes I’ve seen Joe broadcasting any number of FOX sports games, yes I knew he started his career broadcasting for the Cardinal organization but that’s about it.
Lucky Bastard follows Joe’s life chronologically tells about his family life, growing up in St. Louis, his relationship with his father’s other family and about his relationship to his dad Jack, plus his marriage(s) and his unconditional, all-consuming love for his daughters. It also follows his broadcast career from his simple beginnings broadcasting for the Cardinal’s minor league team the Louisville Redbirds, to his sharing the booth with his dad and Mike Shannon, his breaking into network sports casting with a then brand new television network FOX and his tenure with FOX sports broadcasting NFL and MLB games plus other sports including golf from 1994 to present day.
The thing that surprised me most about Joe after I finished reading the book was his love of his job, his humility, his work ethic and his personal integrity. It’s not a tell-all book but he does go into detail about his strengths, his weaknesses and his fears. And his take on sports casting in the age of social media is really interesting too. Fans of non-fiction, biographies and sports enthusiasts will enjoy this read.
On a side note Joe and his wife Michelle had twin boys born on 4-26-2018 Congrats to the new parents!
June 6, 2018
This was an easy read. I enjoyed the stories.
February 28, 2018
It is pretty much the typical memoir, but as a St. Louis Cardinals fan, it really gave me a poignant view of legendary sportscaster Jack Buck through the eyes of his son, Joe. Of course Joe would roll his eyes if I said that, because this book is about his failures and success and the gruesome process of hair plugs and he wants you to know that this book is about him and not about his father. Joe is definitely a little more colorful than what you see on TV, but that adds character to the book.
February 11, 2018
Going into Joe Buck's book, my memories of him are that Buck and Aikman are my favorite football announcers and that he went off the rails a little bit during that infamous Randy Moss 'mooning' touchdown celebration. I knew he was also Jack Buck's son, but never knew how big a deal Jack was until reading this book. Joe emphasizes throughout the book the huge challenge it was to come out of his father's shadow and emerge as one of the top sportscasters today.
I enjoyed learning of Joe's climb up the announcer ranks, and going by the title of his book he makes sure to declare he caught a lot of lucky breaks. I never recall Joe being as funny on air as he is in his book. He cracks a ton of jokes throughout, and most of them lit me up, especially his footnotes. I recommend having an app or notepad on hand while reading this to jot down moments to look up on YouTube that Buck references throughout.
He knows when to dial back the humor when he recounts his career and personal turmoils he had to overcome from losing his voice due to hair plug surgery, the controversial Artie Lange interview, the aforementioned Randy Moss moment, his father's death and going through his divorce. I knew of none of these lows Buck had to persevere through, and I am surprised at how in depth he went on some of these darkest moments.
Experiencing those lows with Buck made experiencing those highs all the more entertaining. Again, he makes sure to state how lucky he feels to call so many big games and moments in sports at such an early age and how proud he is of his daughters helping him out in his personal struggles. I read three sports-casters biographies this past year, and of this one, Stuart Scott's and Al Michaels' I easily enjoyed and recommend 'Lucky Bastard' the most.
I enjoyed learning of Joe's climb up the announcer ranks, and going by the title of his book he makes sure to declare he caught a lot of lucky breaks. I never recall Joe being as funny on air as he is in his book. He cracks a ton of jokes throughout, and most of them lit me up, especially his footnotes. I recommend having an app or notepad on hand while reading this to jot down moments to look up on YouTube that Buck references throughout.
He knows when to dial back the humor when he recounts his career and personal turmoils he had to overcome from losing his voice due to hair plug surgery, the controversial Artie Lange interview, the aforementioned Randy Moss moment, his father's death and going through his divorce. I knew of none of these lows Buck had to persevere through, and I am surprised at how in depth he went on some of these darkest moments.
Experiencing those lows with Buck made experiencing those highs all the more entertaining. Again, he makes sure to state how lucky he feels to call so many big games and moments in sports at such an early age and how proud he is of his daughters helping him out in his personal struggles. I read three sports-casters biographies this past year, and of this one, Stuart Scott's and Al Michaels' I easily enjoyed and recommend 'Lucky Bastard' the most.
September 30, 2017
I've lived in St. Louis for most of the 80s and 90s. To me and many others, the voices of Jack Buck and Mike Shannon were synonymous with summer. I was there when Joe Buck started his career. I was one of those complaining that Joe only got the job because of his father. But as Joe writes in his book, name recognition will only get you so far. You still have to deliver.
I've been impressed with Joe's ability to handle major sporting events with such ease. His behind the scenes take on how he has gotten to this level is an entertaining read. I especially enjoyed his humor. I laughed out loud throughout this book.
One particular pregame skit, which wasn't in the book but has stayed with me nonetheless, involved Joe and his football partner Troy Aikman. Troy and Joe are getting ready to go on air. A group of people attends to Troy: fixing his hair, brushing his suit coat, applying makeup. Joe is shown standing all alone. "Can I get a bottle of water," Joe asks someone offscreen. A water bottle comes flying into the shot and hits Joe in the chest. It's that kind of self-deprecating humor that permeates this book. Here are just a few examples: Joe talks about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with his daughter and how he wasn't the outdoors type. "If you see me going for a hike, I am probably looking for my golf ball." In the same section, he talks about how the trip to Africa will keep him away from his future wife for two weeks. "A two-week trip does not sound long, I think we've had commercial breaks during the Superbowl that lasted that long." Joe also knows how to tell a funny story. He talks about interviewing a couple of Seattle defensive players before the Superbowl with Denver. Joe said he had a sense that things were not going to go Denver's way. At one point one of the players said, "We don't care what Peyton Manning does at the line of scrimmage. He can say 'Omaha' five hundred times. We're not moving." I can hear Peyton yelling "Omaha" right now in that lopsided loss.
Joe also gives some insight into what it's like to be a sports announcer in today's politically correct climate. He describes how his fear of backlash on social media had affected his on-air performance, always careful not to make a comment that might stir up a controversy.
If you have watched any major sporting event over the last fifteen-plus years, you have listened to Joe Buck. He is one of the best at what he does. I do think, however, that the US Open should be left to the golf analysts who cover the game week in and week out.
I've been impressed with Joe's ability to handle major sporting events with such ease. His behind the scenes take on how he has gotten to this level is an entertaining read. I especially enjoyed his humor. I laughed out loud throughout this book.
One particular pregame skit, which wasn't in the book but has stayed with me nonetheless, involved Joe and his football partner Troy Aikman. Troy and Joe are getting ready to go on air. A group of people attends to Troy: fixing his hair, brushing his suit coat, applying makeup. Joe is shown standing all alone. "Can I get a bottle of water," Joe asks someone offscreen. A water bottle comes flying into the shot and hits Joe in the chest. It's that kind of self-deprecating humor that permeates this book. Here are just a few examples: Joe talks about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with his daughter and how he wasn't the outdoors type. "If you see me going for a hike, I am probably looking for my golf ball." In the same section, he talks about how the trip to Africa will keep him away from his future wife for two weeks. "A two-week trip does not sound long, I think we've had commercial breaks during the Superbowl that lasted that long." Joe also knows how to tell a funny story. He talks about interviewing a couple of Seattle defensive players before the Superbowl with Denver. Joe said he had a sense that things were not going to go Denver's way. At one point one of the players said, "We don't care what Peyton Manning does at the line of scrimmage. He can say 'Omaha' five hundred times. We're not moving." I can hear Peyton yelling "Omaha" right now in that lopsided loss.
Joe also gives some insight into what it's like to be a sports announcer in today's politically correct climate. He describes how his fear of backlash on social media had affected his on-air performance, always careful not to make a comment that might stir up a controversy.
If you have watched any major sporting event over the last fifteen-plus years, you have listened to Joe Buck. He is one of the best at what he does. I do think, however, that the US Open should be left to the golf analysts who cover the game week in and week out.
December 12, 2017
How could I give this memoir anything less than 5 stars? I've been a Cardinal Fan as long as I can remember, all the way back to the late 50's, along with my entire family. I have always lived in St. Louis. I loved my father as much as Joe loved Jack and since we really are all just small town (St. Louis is really a small town) plain old mid-westerners, many if us have the same hang ups that Joe has or had about whether we are good enough or whether people will like us. I loved that he addressed that as well as the gossipy rumors that have circled about him and now has set the record straight in his own words. Will that stop the gossip mongers? Probably not. The complaints about his broadcasting style I believe to be unfounded. He explained that he tries to be completely unbiased when it comes to the teams he is broadcasting (which he should be) and that may make his style seem too vanilla but if he got too excited about plays, etc., people would find fault with that. Some people are loved no matter what they do and others can't catch a break.
I loved his stories, many of which I had already heard, and wish the book could have been longer with more information. I have the book but also had the audio and I'm a walker; it was one of the most interesting books I've listened to-I couldn't wait to get to my daily walk (even as the St. Louis weather began to turn) so that I could continue to listen. I laughed as I walked in the humorous places, cried when he talked about Jack's death, and gave him a thumbs up when he set the record straight on many things we've heard about him. I wondered if anyone was looking out their window as I walked through the neighborhood and if they were, did they wonder who this crazy old lady was walking and talking to herself?
I'm not reviewing the writing style, just the content and my enjoyment. A word of warning, he does use curse words quite a bit but I think that is probably true of most men in the sports world when they aren't trying to hide it. He read it himself so it would probably have seemed fake to him to leave out words he normally uses. It didn't bother me but some people would probably have a problem with it.
Thank you Joe for a fun time! Will try to get more people to read it and may read again myself.
I loved his stories, many of which I had already heard, and wish the book could have been longer with more information. I have the book but also had the audio and I'm a walker; it was one of the most interesting books I've listened to-I couldn't wait to get to my daily walk (even as the St. Louis weather began to turn) so that I could continue to listen. I laughed as I walked in the humorous places, cried when he talked about Jack's death, and gave him a thumbs up when he set the record straight on many things we've heard about him. I wondered if anyone was looking out their window as I walked through the neighborhood and if they were, did they wonder who this crazy old lady was walking and talking to herself?
I'm not reviewing the writing style, just the content and my enjoyment. A word of warning, he does use curse words quite a bit but I think that is probably true of most men in the sports world when they aren't trying to hide it. He read it himself so it would probably have seemed fake to him to leave out words he normally uses. It didn't bother me but some people would probably have a problem with it.
Thank you Joe for a fun time! Will try to get more people to read it and may read again myself.
December 14, 2016
For the most part, I'd rather hear a garbage truck with a faulty carburetor crush a scrap pile of aluminum window frames than Joe Buck calling a game. He is way too cool for the sports he covers and he name drops like a lucky bastard. I'm tempted to turn off the volume and do close captioning whenever FOX carries an NFL game or a World Series contest.
I live close enough to St. Louis and remember hearing his father, Jack Buck, calling games over the years for the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe, you are no Jack Buck.
But, reading Joe Buck is a tad different. He still name drops in the book and he explains some of the more painful episodes of his televised escapades: That whole HBO "show" he did with Artie Lange; his call of Kirby Puckett's 11th inning home run in Game 6 of the World Series to send it to Game 7 vs. the Atlanta Braves; the day he covered both baseball and football in San Francisco and had to take the trolley from stadium to stadium while the network carried his jaunt; his outrage at Randy Moss' mooning the Green Bay Packers' fans after scoring a touchdown for the Vikings and then wiping his butt on the goalpost. But he also seems somewhat self-depreciative. He makes fun of himself, including his hair plugs and his nerdy like pursuit of his wife.
He also isn't afraid to criticize FOX in some of its sports decisions. So, reading Joe Buck is not exactly like listening to Joe Buck. Maybe he really is a nice guy, or maybe he is just writing junk to make himself more "likable" to the common sports guy — you know, the guy who sweeps the chips off his belly and farts while watching the Giants pulverize the Bears.
Either way, the book is okay as long as you read it in your own voice and not Buck's. If this were an audio book with him reading it, I'd much prefer the garbage truck noise.
I live close enough to St. Louis and remember hearing his father, Jack Buck, calling games over the years for the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe, you are no Jack Buck.
But, reading Joe Buck is a tad different. He still name drops in the book and he explains some of the more painful episodes of his televised escapades: That whole HBO "show" he did with Artie Lange; his call of Kirby Puckett's 11th inning home run in Game 6 of the World Series to send it to Game 7 vs. the Atlanta Braves; the day he covered both baseball and football in San Francisco and had to take the trolley from stadium to stadium while the network carried his jaunt; his outrage at Randy Moss' mooning the Green Bay Packers' fans after scoring a touchdown for the Vikings and then wiping his butt on the goalpost. But he also seems somewhat self-depreciative. He makes fun of himself, including his hair plugs and his nerdy like pursuit of his wife.
He also isn't afraid to criticize FOX in some of its sports decisions. So, reading Joe Buck is not exactly like listening to Joe Buck. Maybe he really is a nice guy, or maybe he is just writing junk to make himself more "likable" to the common sports guy — you know, the guy who sweeps the chips off his belly and farts while watching the Giants pulverize the Bears.
Either way, the book is okay as long as you read it in your own voice and not Buck's. If this were an audio book with him reading it, I'd much prefer the garbage truck noise.
October 9, 2017
Arrogant and smug- what his current wife thought of him before getting to know him, and what I also thought of him before reading this book.
I thought he was painstakingly honest, I laughed out loud at a lot of his shared moments.
He name drops and makes fun of himself- Kate Hutson, Jason Patric, and my love, Justin Timberlake.
He LOVED his father so much, and had to live, and still lives with people assuming he is where he is today because of his father. His father has been dead for 15 years. Joe Buck is one of FOX's premiere sports announcers. He may love the St. Louis Blues, but does not have to announce hockey games. He is a lover of sports, and works hard to prepare for the games he will commentate.
There was a lot of Yankees vs Red Sox games he spoke of, as well as my favorite athlete of all time, Derek Jeter.
What was not to love for me? My dad gave me this book, after he finished it in March. I put it off, because I always claimed to hate Joe Buck because I assumed he was a Yankees hater. I could not put this book down. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It did make me realize though, I have no girlfriends to share this with, but that is okay, this is something I was able to share with my Father, and I think Joe and Jack Buck would enjoy knowing that!
I thought he was painstakingly honest, I laughed out loud at a lot of his shared moments.
He name drops and makes fun of himself- Kate Hutson, Jason Patric, and my love, Justin Timberlake.
He LOVED his father so much, and had to live, and still lives with people assuming he is where he is today because of his father. His father has been dead for 15 years. Joe Buck is one of FOX's premiere sports announcers. He may love the St. Louis Blues, but does not have to announce hockey games. He is a lover of sports, and works hard to prepare for the games he will commentate.
There was a lot of Yankees vs Red Sox games he spoke of, as well as my favorite athlete of all time, Derek Jeter.
What was not to love for me? My dad gave me this book, after he finished it in March. I put it off, because I always claimed to hate Joe Buck because I assumed he was a Yankees hater. I could not put this book down. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It did make me realize though, I have no girlfriends to share this with, but that is okay, this is something I was able to share with my Father, and I think Joe and Jack Buck would enjoy knowing that!
January 23, 2018
Grew up loving St. Louis Baseball and Jack Buck so I put this on the list.
I think i'm in the minority in that I love the way Joe Buck calls games. It might be part nostalgic, but for a main announcer, I think he's appropriate and perfect. His less or more strategy, which he talks about in the book, is how I want my games called.
That being said, for being rhetorically gifted, I thought writing in this book was a little lack luster. The attempts at humor didn't work well and the metaphors weren't great.
It ended strong. Buck gets reflective in a more meaningful way towards the conclusion of the book. I also think he is appropriately self-deprecating and and vulnerable. Joe doesn't suffer from an ego problem and it shows. He invites criticism and seems to be sincere in his self assessment. I liked that.
As for the content, it's what I would have wanted. He talks about his dad, celebrity relationships, professional relationships, his personal life and how all of that impacts what he does on air.
I'd recommend this one.
I think i'm in the minority in that I love the way Joe Buck calls games. It might be part nostalgic, but for a main announcer, I think he's appropriate and perfect. His less or more strategy, which he talks about in the book, is how I want my games called.
That being said, for being rhetorically gifted, I thought writing in this book was a little lack luster. The attempts at humor didn't work well and the metaphors weren't great.
It ended strong. Buck gets reflective in a more meaningful way towards the conclusion of the book. I also think he is appropriately self-deprecating and and vulnerable. Joe doesn't suffer from an ego problem and it shows. He invites criticism and seems to be sincere in his self assessment. I liked that.
As for the content, it's what I would have wanted. He talks about his dad, celebrity relationships, professional relationships, his personal life and how all of that impacts what he does on air.
I'd recommend this one.
March 20, 2017
Two quick notes before I give any kind of real review: First, I can't seem to remember ever reading an autobiography so I have nothing to compare this to; and Second, St. Louis is near to my hometown. That being said: I really like this book.
Joe Buck is a man that has been on my TV and in my ears since sports became part of my life. Cardinals baseball is just partial of living. I wait all year for Sunday NFL football. And Joe is there for all of it.
This is a story of both Joe and his dad, Jack -- a local celebrity, who unfortunately passed before I understood his value to this city. The major story of this book is the relationship between the father and son, and then what life was like after Jack passed.
The best part of this book is easily Joe talking about his insecurities and the way that one naysayer can really get into his head. I recommend this book to anyone from St. Louis or just wants to know more about one of our top broadcasters today.
Joe Buck is a man that has been on my TV and in my ears since sports became part of my life. Cardinals baseball is just partial of living. I wait all year for Sunday NFL football. And Joe is there for all of it.
This is a story of both Joe and his dad, Jack -- a local celebrity, who unfortunately passed before I understood his value to this city. The major story of this book is the relationship between the father and son, and then what life was like after Jack passed.
The best part of this book is easily Joe talking about his insecurities and the way that one naysayer can really get into his head. I recommend this book to anyone from St. Louis or just wants to know more about one of our top broadcasters today.
October 13, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this when I could fit it in. I've read a lot of sports biographies and autobiographies before, but never one of a broadcaster. This was a good one to start with as it was written in a light tone with some great stories. Buck really put his full personality into this book, which I found made it highly enjoyable and easy to read. As someone about ready to go into the business of sports broadcasting it was nice to read the experiences of Buck in the booth. But the ones outside the booth with his family and friends were impactful. I'm going to try and take a few lessons from this book and apply them to what I'm doing right now. Like silencing the inner critic and just asking, so what?
July 7, 2017
Audiobook, 7 hours. Overall writing style was a bit repetitive so could have been shorter. Beyond this though, I enjoyed the content. He talked about his famous dad Jack Buck quite a bit and had some funny anecdotes in his life and career. Addressed some of the Joe Buck haters in the book. I've never had a problem with Joe Buck himself largely because he doesn't try to make the game about his announcing. I never truly realized how young he was when starting out. Well worth a read/listen as a sports fan.
July 19, 2017
Joe Buck seems to assume that many people hate him and that many of those people will choose to read his book. He may be right about the former, I don't know. I did not count myself in that camp when I opened his memoir. I actually like him quite a bit as a broadcaster. After finishing the book, I like him less than I did before I started reading. But I don't dislike him for the reasons he assumes most others don't. It's not a bad book if you're a St. Louis sports fan. Seems to be almost as much about his dad as it is about him. It's a fast read, at least.
August 28, 2017
(Audiobook August 2017) - I wanted to give this a 5 star, but I just could not. I do appreciate his back story, his humor and how the book made me laugh. However, there were just a few too many times where I could not bring myself to like him. He is a vanilla announcer and I really don't have a beef with him and how he lacks emotions. Glad that I got to know more about him to help me understand. But I have had ENOUGH and SO WHAT. He does a very professional job and rarely do I listen the announcers anyway. Happy that I listened though.
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