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Play by Play:: Calling the Wildest Games in Sports—From SEC Football to College Basketball, The Masters, and More
The SEC. The Masters. The Olympics. March Madness. The Dallas Cowboys. Yes sir, Uncle Verne has seen it all.
Over the last fifty years, few voices have epitomized the sound of sports television quite like that of Verne Lundquist’s. A fixture on air since the 1960s—first broadcasting University of Texas baseball and Dallas Cowboys football games on radio before eventually joining the legendary CBS Sports team—Verne has covered just about every sport there is, and in the process he’s made some of the most enduring calls in the history of golf, football, figure skating—and everything in between.
In Play by Play, Verne goes inside those calls and his remarkable career, telling the behind-the-scenes story of how he ended up with the best seats in the house, giving voice to history time and time again. From Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beater in the 1992 NCAA tournament, to the saga of Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding at the 1994 Olympics, to the shocking finish of the Iron Bowl in 2013, to Jack Nicklaus’s and Tiger Woods’s unforgettable victories at the Masters, Verne’s five decades as a sportscaster routinely put him in the midst of greatness. With his trademark humility and his goal to make the athlete the legend, instead of the call itself, Verne details his view of the plays that have captured our collective imagination for two generations, featuring an incredible cast of characters that includes names like Terry Bradshaw, Pat Summerall, John Madden, Scott Hamilton, and Tom Landry.
What emerges is an invigorating portrait of the games that matter most, in life and on the field. A moving recollection of the moments that make sports worth watching, Play by Play reminds us all that sports are about more than games played—they’re about the history that we share together and the voices that we remember long after the final whistle has blown.
Over the last fifty years, few voices have epitomized the sound of sports television quite like that of Verne Lundquist’s. A fixture on air since the 1960s—first broadcasting University of Texas baseball and Dallas Cowboys football games on radio before eventually joining the legendary CBS Sports team—Verne has covered just about every sport there is, and in the process he’s made some of the most enduring calls in the history of golf, football, figure skating—and everything in between.
In Play by Play, Verne goes inside those calls and his remarkable career, telling the behind-the-scenes story of how he ended up with the best seats in the house, giving voice to history time and time again. From Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beater in the 1992 NCAA tournament, to the saga of Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding at the 1994 Olympics, to the shocking finish of the Iron Bowl in 2013, to Jack Nicklaus’s and Tiger Woods’s unforgettable victories at the Masters, Verne’s five decades as a sportscaster routinely put him in the midst of greatness. With his trademark humility and his goal to make the athlete the legend, instead of the call itself, Verne details his view of the plays that have captured our collective imagination for two generations, featuring an incredible cast of characters that includes names like Terry Bradshaw, Pat Summerall, John Madden, Scott Hamilton, and Tom Landry.
What emerges is an invigorating portrait of the games that matter most, in life and on the field. A moving recollection of the moments that make sports worth watching, Play by Play reminds us all that sports are about more than games played—they’re about the history that we share together and the voices that we remember long after the final whistle has blown.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
62 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 21, 2022
This memior by long time sports broadcaster Vern Lundquist is one that everyone who is a sports fan from recent times. It covers his entire career - and it's one that has more than just his time at CBS which is the time covered by the subtitles. In fact, he talks very fondly about his time with the Dallas Cowboys, for example.
The only way this could have been better was if he did the narration but that was still handled quite well. Highly recommended for fans of college football and golf.
The only way this could have been better was if he did the narration but that was still handled quite well. Highly recommended for fans of college football and golf.
February 28, 2019
This was fun! Lots of great memories from over 50 years in the world of sports! It was also enlightening to learn the life-travels and life-events that shaped Lundquist. Even though this autobiography was, of necessity, an ego trip, I appreciated the way he credited the help and influence of others throughout his career.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys sports and tv sports casting.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys sports and tv sports casting.
November 22, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed reading through Uncle Verne’s memoir. He recalls some of my favorite and overall best sports memories with ease while adding in quite a few personal touches to the book that I also enjoyed. I’ve missed seeing him on air, but this was a nice bit of nostalgia for me.
November 15, 2018
I always liked Verne Lundquist because he was, and is, to my mind, old-school in his sports broadcasting: giving us, the viewers, the story of what's happening in an informative way, and also knowing when to get out of the way of the action and let it speak for itself. He's not acting as a celebrity, as though we tune in just to hear his witticisms and "humor". I like how low-key he can be as well. Many sports broadcasters could, and should take lessons from him. I enjoyed the book very much, since he is such a good storyteller, and he is willing to share his successes and high points with the other people he has worked with. This is a very pleasant, insightful, rewarding book that I recommend to people who like sports and for people who enjoy reading how hard work and just the right amount of good fortune can lead to a satisfying life.
January 20, 2020
An absolute delight read. It's as if Uncle Verne is in your living room talking to you. A lot of fun and interesting personal and professional insight into the business and into sports.
May 4, 2019
A good biography by one of the great announcers of a variety of sports. Lundquist is a good story teller and it shows in the book. The only complaint is that the editing could have been better with several small errors. It does not take away from the stories.
October 4, 2020
There is no doubt that Vern has carved out a distinguished career as a broadcaster. However, there is a distinct difference between this book and Al Michaels book.
This one is, sorry Verne, boring. I would imagine if you're a Dallas Cowboy fan and remember his play calling during the glory days, you might find more of this book appealing. But I'm not and, unfortunately, it just seems like his extensive work covering SEC football is relegated to a little less than a handful of games.
He is referred to as "Uncle Verne" and his aw shucks approach to story telling was rambling at times. But it appears that "calling the wildest games in sports" includes a heavy dose of golf and figure skating. And we all know how wild those sports can get - especially when compared to SEC football.
No I didn't expect this to be a tell all book, but, this one just is flat.
This one is, sorry Verne, boring. I would imagine if you're a Dallas Cowboy fan and remember his play calling during the glory days, you might find more of this book appealing. But I'm not and, unfortunately, it just seems like his extensive work covering SEC football is relegated to a little less than a handful of games.
He is referred to as "Uncle Verne" and his aw shucks approach to story telling was rambling at times. But it appears that "calling the wildest games in sports" includes a heavy dose of golf and figure skating. And we all know how wild those sports can get - especially when compared to SEC football.
No I didn't expect this to be a tell all book, but, this one just is flat.
January 16, 2023
“In the end, the games matter.
Enough said.”
I appreciate the affirmation from “Uncle Verne,” as he is affectionately known in most circles. Fitting, given his vivid imagery during his compelling story-telling each Saturday afternoon in the fall, every March on hardwood or perched high atop the 16th green at August National. This book was a gift to my best friend a few years ago (I believe it may have been signed, no?) but I insisted he’d lend it to me in the future. Fortunately, I’m now a regular at my local Half Price Books and I snagged this for $8.99.
As it pertains to my sports fandom over the last 30 years, Verne Lindquist stands alongside not only my personal favorite sportscasters/journalists, but he stands taller in the pantheon of the all-time greats to broadcast a competitive contest. It’s Verne, it’s Pat Hughes, it’s Doc Emerick, Gary Thorne, Brad Nessler, Dick Enberg… those names gave every game new life, new meaning. It gave them purpose of a story yet untold from play to play, pitch to pitch, shot by shot. These personalities told a different story every time they stepped in front of a camera or flipped on the radio. Their passion eventually became mine as a pre-teen, so much so that I pursued Northwestern’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. Evanston was too rich for my blood, but I wanted to be a broadcaster, print journalist, beat reporter… I wanted it all. There was a brief time I thought I aspired to stand in the same crowded room of great sports journalists.
Alright, here’s where I lament the two-star review. As a journalism major myself, I hold our written English language in the highest regard. I cringe when family or friends make the most basic (and sometimes egregious) spelling, grammar or syntax errors. Some hills I will gladly die on more than most (I’ve since pumped the brakes on my vendetta with the Oxford comma). However, when I pick up a book by one of the most prominent names in recent broadcast journalism, I expect the edited, polished copy to be immaculate. Initially, I thought I was overly critical in the first couple chapters. The aforementioned friend later confirmed my harsh commentary when he said “riddled with editing and grammar errors, if I recall.”
Now, this doesn’t ALL fall squarely on the author’s shoulders. He shares that dubious honor with his editors and the publisher. I’m referring to spelling errors, subject-verb agreement and even a moment or two of fact-checking (or lack there of). As it pertains to passive voice… if you ever sat in a remedial English course or subsequent spelling and grammar lessons, you know about passive voice. I would assume shoot it into the sun where it concerns writing books or scholarly articles. It’s not a good look. I challenge ALL of you to be better.
I wanted compelling first-hand accounts of his favorite moments across his colorful career. He delivered. I have no qualms with the quality of content. Admittedly, there were a couple subtle potshots at former broadcast partners or athletes that weren’t entirely necessary. It was a touch disappointing to read those. Verne, I still love you and couldn’t have imagined some of these classic moments without you. I certainly hope you’re enjoying retired life in Steamboat. Apparently, there may be a future publication of additional stories. If you switch editors and grab a dictionary, then I can’t wait to jump back in.
Enough said.”
I appreciate the affirmation from “Uncle Verne,” as he is affectionately known in most circles. Fitting, given his vivid imagery during his compelling story-telling each Saturday afternoon in the fall, every March on hardwood or perched high atop the 16th green at August National. This book was a gift to my best friend a few years ago (I believe it may have been signed, no?) but I insisted he’d lend it to me in the future. Fortunately, I’m now a regular at my local Half Price Books and I snagged this for $8.99.
As it pertains to my sports fandom over the last 30 years, Verne Lindquist stands alongside not only my personal favorite sportscasters/journalists, but he stands taller in the pantheon of the all-time greats to broadcast a competitive contest. It’s Verne, it’s Pat Hughes, it’s Doc Emerick, Gary Thorne, Brad Nessler, Dick Enberg… those names gave every game new life, new meaning. It gave them purpose of a story yet untold from play to play, pitch to pitch, shot by shot. These personalities told a different story every time they stepped in front of a camera or flipped on the radio. Their passion eventually became mine as a pre-teen, so much so that I pursued Northwestern’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. Evanston was too rich for my blood, but I wanted to be a broadcaster, print journalist, beat reporter… I wanted it all. There was a brief time I thought I aspired to stand in the same crowded room of great sports journalists.
Alright, here’s where I lament the two-star review. As a journalism major myself, I hold our written English language in the highest regard. I cringe when family or friends make the most basic (and sometimes egregious) spelling, grammar or syntax errors. Some hills I will gladly die on more than most (I’ve since pumped the brakes on my vendetta with the Oxford comma). However, when I pick up a book by one of the most prominent names in recent broadcast journalism, I expect the edited, polished copy to be immaculate. Initially, I thought I was overly critical in the first couple chapters. The aforementioned friend later confirmed my harsh commentary when he said “riddled with editing and grammar errors, if I recall.”
Now, this doesn’t ALL fall squarely on the author’s shoulders. He shares that dubious honor with his editors and the publisher. I’m referring to spelling errors, subject-verb agreement and even a moment or two of fact-checking (or lack there of). As it pertains to passive voice… if you ever sat in a remedial English course or subsequent spelling and grammar lessons, you know about passive voice. I would assume shoot it into the sun where it concerns writing books or scholarly articles. It’s not a good look. I challenge ALL of you to be better.
I wanted compelling first-hand accounts of his favorite moments across his colorful career. He delivered. I have no qualms with the quality of content. Admittedly, there were a couple subtle potshots at former broadcast partners or athletes that weren’t entirely necessary. It was a touch disappointing to read those. Verne, I still love you and couldn’t have imagined some of these classic moments without you. I certainly hope you’re enjoying retired life in Steamboat. Apparently, there may be a future publication of additional stories. If you switch editors and grab a dictionary, then I can’t wait to jump back in.
October 18, 2019
Growing up in Dallas in the '70s and '80s there was school, religion, and Cowboys (and that's actually in the reverse order of priority).
As the local ABC Channel 8 WFAA sports announcer and official Dallas Cowboys play-by-play guy, Verne Lundquist was in your house at least once a day (back when the majority of homes watched their local newscast at 10pm CST), and was most definitely a part of your family on Sundays.
(And, as Lundquist brings up in his book, he was also host of "Bowling for Dollars" which was a really cheesy gameshow)
It's great to get a little bit of insight into the man who later became the voice of college football and many other sports for the entire country. However, as many others have commented, the book has editing errors and suffers from a real lack of flow. The inside stories and behind-the-scenes of Lundquist's relationship with the Cowboys organization and the TV networks are all great, but there's quite a bit of skipping around. Also, Lundquist spends quite a bit of time on the bad/down years of the Cowboys and very little on the years when they were major contenders or won the Super Bowl.
Nevertheless, with all its faults, being able to hear Verne's stories brings back such good memories that I definitely recommend it. It's just a shame that for the great storyteller that Verne is, the book isn't the best story.
As the local ABC Channel 8 WFAA sports announcer and official Dallas Cowboys play-by-play guy, Verne Lundquist was in your house at least once a day (back when the majority of homes watched their local newscast at 10pm CST), and was most definitely a part of your family on Sundays.
(And, as Lundquist brings up in his book, he was also host of "Bowling for Dollars" which was a really cheesy gameshow)
It's great to get a little bit of insight into the man who later became the voice of college football and many other sports for the entire country. However, as many others have commented, the book has editing errors and suffers from a real lack of flow. The inside stories and behind-the-scenes of Lundquist's relationship with the Cowboys organization and the TV networks are all great, but there's quite a bit of skipping around. Also, Lundquist spends quite a bit of time on the bad/down years of the Cowboys and very little on the years when they were major contenders or won the Super Bowl.
Nevertheless, with all its faults, being able to hear Verne's stories brings back such good memories that I definitely recommend it. It's just a shame that for the great storyteller that Verne is, the book isn't the best story.
October 22, 2020
Wonderfully easy and informative read a book that only took me a week to read because I couldn't put the book down once I began . I've always liked Vern Lundquist and I do miss his college football announcing. He is still working some college basketball for CBS and at Augusta with the Masters coverage with Jim Nantz and Sir Nick Faldo. His delivery and word selection on the air is informative, sincere, and balanced; maintaining control, but sharing the emotion of an event or play that is the crucial point of a contest. He has large ties to SEC college football, the NCAA men's basketball tournament and The Masters, but I also found his memories about growing up interesting. He Also includes his time at Collage basketball's March Madness. He opens up also about the challenges of getting to the top level and how he always puts his best effort in each night. A Wonderful read for those who like books on sports journalism or the average sports fan who's looking for a good sports read.
October 28, 2024
Some interesting stories and attitudes from Verne's broadcasting career. He broadcasted golf, pro football, (especially in the Dallas Cowboys), college basketball, ice-skating, college football (particularly SEC) and other sports. He describes his personal ups and downs in his broadcasting career. He was never the number one broadcaster, usually number two or three on the broadcasting depth chart and that led him to some personal turmoil.
Verne had some interesting things to say about Pat Summerall, John Madden, and other media types. This book was not a hit job on people that he knew in sports. Verne was an understated sports broadcaster, and this book is a reflection of his personality.
This book may serve as an excellent reference for those who are interested in becoming involved in sports media or broadcasting. Lundquist describes the travel, the preparation, the politics and the pitfalls of being in sports media.
Verne had some interesting things to say about Pat Summerall, John Madden, and other media types. This book was not a hit job on people that he knew in sports. Verne was an understated sports broadcaster, and this book is a reflection of his personality.
This book may serve as an excellent reference for those who are interested in becoming involved in sports media or broadcasting. Lundquist describes the travel, the preparation, the politics and the pitfalls of being in sports media.
March 10, 2019
Verne Lundquist is a sports broadcaster that is pretty universally appreciated and respected. This book is a fun recollection of his journey, including a lot of stories and anecdotes that sports fans of all kinds will appreciate. Given that Lundquist has covered a wide range of events--football, basketball, golf, figure skating, etc...--pretty much everyone should find something to enjoy.
My only gripe is that the book really needs another pass through the editing phase, mostly to clean up some grammar and a few errors (such as stating that the NCAA Championship between Magic's Michigan State and Bird's Indiana State took place in 1997).
My only gripe is that the book really needs another pass through the editing phase, mostly to clean up some grammar and a few errors (such as stating that the NCAA Championship between Magic's Michigan State and Bird's Indiana State took place in 1997).
July 1, 2025
An iconic voice of some of sports great moments.
I still miss the void on Saturday SEC Football on CBS. Great games with Verne always there to capture the moment.
Short, sweet but yet so powerful.
I have great memories of the Verne/Raftery and Verne/Danielspn pairings provided such great excitement in both NCAA Tournaments and College Football.
There’s the great memories documented in the book from Jack to Tiger at The Masters to Laettner’s Shot to Auburn’s Kick 6. More than his share of memories but always a voice of the moment.
And yet my favorite memories not included in the book include a Texas vs. UConn 2010 game and a Cam Newton TD Run which prove the power of Verne.
I still miss the void on Saturday SEC Football on CBS. Great games with Verne always there to capture the moment.
Short, sweet but yet so powerful.
I have great memories of the Verne/Raftery and Verne/Danielspn pairings provided such great excitement in both NCAA Tournaments and College Football.
There’s the great memories documented in the book from Jack to Tiger at The Masters to Laettner’s Shot to Auburn’s Kick 6. More than his share of memories but always a voice of the moment.
And yet my favorite memories not included in the book include a Texas vs. UConn 2010 game and a Cam Newton TD Run which prove the power of Verne.
March 6, 2019
Quite a look into the latter 20th Century of televised sports. Verne sure has had fun throughout the journey. It’s clear through his storytelling. Verne is one of the last of the “legacy” announcers imho (Al Michaels being another). Too many try to inject corny cliches or their opinions into the broadcast.
One regrettable critique is that there are numerous errors with names that should’ve been corrected by anyone involved in the editing process. Also a little bit of an ego trip over the years, but it is his story and he’s earned the moment.
One regrettable critique is that there are numerous errors with names that should’ve been corrected by anyone involved in the editing process. Also a little bit of an ego trip over the years, but it is his story and he’s earned the moment.
November 17, 2018
Great book on Verne's fabulous career and told as if he was sitting across from the reader. I always admired his honesty and positive personality on the air. He's even more so as his Biography was and , humbly tells his life's story.
Any fan who has come across Verne's announcing will appreciate this view of sports, controversies and it's big personalities.
A great sport book that flows smoothly from beginning to end.
Any fan who has come across Verne's announcing will appreciate this view of sports, controversies and it's big personalities.
A great sport book that flows smoothly from beginning to end.
February 8, 2019
Any fan of Verne Lundquist will enjoy Play by Play where Verne shares his perspective of the major events that he broadcasted. His down-to-earth style was informative and entertaining.
As a fan who first watched Lundquist on channel 8 sports and the infamous “Bowling for Dollars, the book was a trip down memory lane with an old friend. His reach touched almost all sports and all sports fans. If you are in that group, you will enjoy Play by Play!
As a fan who first watched Lundquist on channel 8 sports and the infamous “Bowling for Dollars, the book was a trip down memory lane with an old friend. His reach touched almost all sports and all sports fans. If you are in that group, you will enjoy Play by Play!
March 17, 2020
An interesting memoir from one of the great play-by-play sports voices of his era. As in books of this type, I enjoy the story of how Verne got to where he was a little more than the inside baseball of broadcasting. One thing that comes through is what a weird ego-driven business elite level broadcasting is-- and Verne doesn't come off as immune from that. Still, if you're enough of a sports fan to remember Verne, you'll probably enjoy his book.
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March 27, 2025p. 35 - Another classic story that in the beginning of a career anyway - to chase opportunity over dollars VL went to Dallas, and made less but within a year met the Dallas Cowboys and that was a big leap forward.
p. 57 - Another example of chasing-or stopping with an opportunity (i.e., staying with the Dallas Cowboys) rather than chasing money.
p. 96 - Don't hold on to regrets too long.
p. 255-256 - The thin line between being fired and capturing an iconic moment.
p. 57 - Another example of chasing-or stopping with an opportunity (i.e., staying with the Dallas Cowboys) rather than chasing money.
p. 96 - Don't hold on to regrets too long.
p. 255-256 - The thin line between being fired and capturing an iconic moment.
April 1, 2019
I’m a sucker for a sports book and uncle Verne brings it home as he reminisces about his time calling some big moments in sports.
I personally remember his calls at the masters, ncaa men’s basketball tournament and the sec college football games. He has a distinctive voice and I sure miss that.
Who the hell is Happy Gilmore?? Love it Verne.
I personally remember his calls at the masters, ncaa men’s basketball tournament and the sec college football games. He has a distinctive voice and I sure miss that.
Who the hell is Happy Gilmore?? Love it Verne.
July 1, 2020
Loves His Job. Thankful and not critical
A breezy life story from a man who clearly loved his job. Very kind words for those he worked with, with little if any criticism of media colleagues. A bit too much description of game activity in parts, but a nice retrospective of games/events . Writes like you are talking to a quiet gentleman and neighbor.
A breezy life story from a man who clearly loved his job. Very kind words for those he worked with, with little if any criticism of media colleagues. A bit too much description of game activity in parts, but a nice retrospective of games/events . Writes like you are talking to a quiet gentleman and neighbor.
August 2, 2019
For those who grew up in Dallas Ft Worth especially!
Excellent autobiography by a man I can’t remember when I first saw him. Growing up in the DFW area and as a Cowboy fan, he’s always been there. If you’re a fan of the Cowboys, golf or the SEC, this is a fun read.
Excellent autobiography by a man I can’t remember when I first saw him. Growing up in the DFW area and as a Cowboy fan, he’s always been there. If you’re a fan of the Cowboys, golf or the SEC, this is a fun read.
September 27, 2019
Even if you don't line the SEC, you know Uncle Verne if you're a college football fan. He was the soundtrack to my Saturdays for most of my life and one of the greatest play-by-play men ever. It was a real treat to get his side of sports history. Definitely recommended for any fan!
June 26, 2020
Honestly enjoyed his story. I didn't think much would be on it but I am impressed on his way to do everything and work to get to where Verne got. A few spelling/grammar errors but that seems more that it is the only major crux to this book. Overall a solid read.
January 24, 2021
His professional life
Mr. Lundquist gives an overview of his professional career and recapping some of the great moments in sports history that he witnessed. There is only some personal details; therefore, it’s not really a biography.
Mr. Lundquist gives an overview of his professional career and recapping some of the great moments in sports history that he witnessed. There is only some personal details; therefore, it’s not really a biography.
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May 19, 2024Very Interesting Book
Thanks to the author for sharing his career and life in broadcasting.
I loved listening to him and Brad Sham covering Dallas Cowboys games.
Great voice and great attitude. He really did let the games tell the story themselves.
Thanks to the author for sharing his career and life in broadcasting.
I loved listening to him and Brad Sham covering Dallas Cowboys games.
Great voice and great attitude. He really did let the games tell the story themselves.
October 10, 2018
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
This is an enjoyable read.
This is an enjoyable read.
October 29, 2018
Solid insight into the Gene Chizik - Mitch Mustain - Gus Malzahn - Houston Nutt saga in the ending of the book. It was a good book. If you grew up on Verne like I did you’ll like it. Good stories.
January 11, 2019
Nice Read
Verne Lindquist does a great job telling the sports fan what goes on behind the scenes. Verne's stories were interesting at at times laugh out loud funny.
Verne Lindquist does a great job telling the sports fan what goes on behind the scenes. Verne's stories were interesting at at times laugh out loud funny.
January 24, 2019
This book was fun! A great read for any sports fan with some fun memories!
July 12, 2020
Good read following the career of Vern Lundquist. Great stories, interesting life. As I read didn't realize how many games I watched that he called. Easy read and reccomend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews