Legendary Jack Buck will always be remembered in the baseball world

By: Matt Nestor

Posted: 6/27/02

The story came across the wire late at night last week and it hit like a ton of bricks.

Legendary St. Louis Cardinals announcer Jack Buck was dead at the age of 77.

It's hard to say it really came as a surprise because he was in such bad health over the last few years, but it was still hard to take as I read the obituary.

Buck was a living legend, a hero and an inspiration to many around the country.

He was simply the best at his job because that's the way he liked to do things: simple.

While some famous announcers are known for their quick wit, their craziness or for being articulate, Jack Buck was just a friend; he just talked to you.

You could listen to a Cardinals game, close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting next to Jack, drink in one hand, a hot dog in the other, and you and Jack would just sit there and talk about today's game.

He was laid back during a game and rarely got overly excited, even when the moment almost called for excitement.

Buck called most of the greatest games ever played and made some of the most memorable calls ever heard.

After Ozzie Smith homered from the left side of the plate in game five of the 1985 World Series, all Jack could say was, "Go crazy, folks. Go crazy."

After Kirk Gibson homered to win game one of the 1988 World Series, all Jack said was, "I can't believe what I just saw."

After Kirby Puckett homered to win game six of the 1991 World Series in extra innings and force a game seven, all Jack said was, "See you tomorrow night, folks."

And after Mark McGwire broke Roger Maris' single-season home run record, Jack couldn't even come up with words, and instead, said, "Excuse me while I stand up and applaud."

It was that simplicity that made Jack Buck what he was.

He knew exactly what to say. He was short and sweet and got his point across.
I've been a Cardinals fan for quite some time and the one constant has always been Jack Buck.

I'm sure after some time, the games will seem the same and we may not miss old Jack quite as much as we used to.

But, we'll never forget what we heard for all of those years Jack Buck was around.

To borrow a phrase, excuse me, Jack, while I stand up and applaud.