Jack Buck

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It was one of those efforts that took one step forward and a couple backward. It always seems that midway through the writing of that publication the Microsoft Publisher program blows and it is back to square one. Last night wasn't any different. For a while I thought I had actually written some memorable lines for the August edition but they were wiped out during the crash. So, all that the readers can do is accept my word that a few of the stories would have been "above average" by my standards. </div> <bR> <div> In preparing each newsletter it is usually obvious, early on, as to what photo will appear on the cover. I was so exasperated the evening of June 18  that I penned the following note to include in the next Flash Report--which happens to be released on June 19, 2002. <I>"Looking for help. Are any of you searching for fame and fortune? Well, how about fame? I am deeply into the production stages of the August edition of the KOM League newsletter. Unlike most months I haven't come up with an "inspiration" for the front page. If anyone has an idea please share it and you will be given full credit for your effort. It is likely that the winning submission will come from someone who either sends or downloads a magnificent photo from the past. Remember, all photos become the property of the KOM League Remembered and will be returned upon the slightest hint that I might be castigated for not doing so. Get those photos in by July 1 to be in the running . Thanks. "</I></div> <bR> <div> After that task was completed I went upstairs around 9:15 P. M. and watched some movie with my wife until she fell asleep. I quickly switched over to the Cardinal/Angel game and watched the last inning and a half. The Cards were on top 7-1 and the Reds had just lost. If the Cards could hold on to that six-run lead they would be in first place at evening's end by one game. They didn't hold on to the six run lead but won anyway, 7-2. </div> <bR> <div> By the time the game concluded, another 3 hour marathon, it was sleep time. I was awake a few times during the night but was unaware that shortly after I retired for the evening the news of the death of Jack Buck was released. I first heard the news of Jack's passing from the voice of KFRU, David Lile. I felt as if I had lost a friend even though our paths only crossed once. Many a time whether at work or in class it was the voice of Jack Buck that emanated from the ear piece I had attached to a Zenith 7 transistor radio that I took with me no matter where I went. </div> <bR> <div> Jack was a "latecomer" in my baseball life. I started listening to the Cardinals in 1948 and came to love the banter between Harry Caray and Gabby Street. The day that Gabby died at nearby Joplin, Missouri on February 6, 1951 was a sad one indeed. I recall going to my classes at Eugene Field in Carthage, MO and during some point that day, in Mrs. Maude Iles class, I wrote an obituary for Gabby. It, like the KOM League publications that came afterward was filled with misspelling, grammatical and factual errors. However, it was my attempt to put some closure on a life that had been meaningful to a young man who filled his time rooting for the Cardinals. </div> <bR> <div> After Gabby's death there was a "lull" on the Cardinal network. There was an attempt at getting sidekicks for Harry but Stretch Miller, Milo Hamilton  and George Barr didn't cut it. Barr had been a National League umpire and the "titular" head of the KOM League for 1953 but he didn't show up in time to save it. He went to Joplin and ran the Western Association instead. </div> <bR> <div> When Buck joined the Cardinals in 1954 the sound of Cardinal games was different. From the frenetic voice of Harry Caray to that of the smooth bass and calm demeanor of Buck things just didn't seem right. I loved the part of the game when Harry was on the air but when Jack's turn came it was an indication to me that I could do something else. </div> <bR> <div> Later, I began to listen to what Buck had to say and he was bright, witty and one of the most entertaining conversationalists I ever heard. His after dinner speeches were remarkable. Time took its toll. I left for college, got married, had a job, raised a family and in the interim Jack became the "top dog" on the Cardinal broadcasts. Harry Caray  left for Oakland then to the White Sox and finality to  the Cubs. Jack was now the man in St. Louis. </div> <bR> <div> As I matured--or aged, Jack spread his wings and became in my opinion the finest professional football broadcaster of them all. That in lieu of the fact that he started announcing the "junior " AFL games on NBC. Jack's stature was growing and not many years later the host position for the Today Show boiled down to two men--Bryant Gumble and Jack Buck. You all know who got selected. However, do you think that Gumble was in Buck's class, or could it have been that Buck was "made for radio?" </div> <bR> <div> My interest in baseball waned a bit due to roaming this country trying to find work and a way to make a living. In some places not even the powerful signal of KMOX reached me. Thus, I knew the Cardinals were still in St. Louis and Jack was still at the mike and I don't mean Mike Shannon. </div> <bR> <div> On September 13, 2000 there was a ceremony at the Capital Rotunda at the Missouri State Capital to induct Stan Musial into the Hall of Famous Missourians. Through a stroke of luck I was allowed to be a "Newspaperman" for a day. I was allowed into the House of Representative Chamber where Stan had a press conference. I had the chance to ask a question, have a photo taken with him and to meet some of the Musial family. It was quite an honor and not something that I never thought could be eclipsed. I even wrote about that event in one of these Flash Reports a day or so later. </div> <bR> <div> At the conclusion of the Musial induction I was filing through the crowd headed for the exit, for by that time I had missed a half-days work. Near the exit was a small crowd. As I passed I noticed a number of people speaking with Jack Buck. They were commending him on his fine Master of Ceremonies work that he had concluded moments earlier. Jack had suffered a stroke prior to that event and I was surprised to see him on the podium doing such a masterful job. Parts of his body weren't moving in the manner that he would have liked but his mind was sharp and his comments were delivered in the same smooth, deep voice he exhibited throughout his announcing career. </div> <bR> <div> As I was about to leave the area where Jack was standing he looked my way and said, "Come here." Obediently, I did. He then said, "I am having a hard time standing up, let me lean on your shoulder." A lesser man would have excused himself and headed to his car but he wanted to speak with all those who took the time to say hello. As I was standing beside Jack a newspaper reporter asked if he could take a photo of the two of us. Jack replied, "Yes." That photo could be used by Yours Truly to say that Jack and I were buddies." That wouldn't be true. However, in a sense he was a friend of mine for he shared the Cardinals with me through his eyes for many years. I am not sure that people understand the influence the spoken word of radio had the generation in which I grew up. I know that Stan Musial didn't need Harry Caray bragging on him but guys like Harry made many of us pile into cars and take a Sunday trip to St. Louis once a year to see Stan go 0-4 and Joe Garagiola go 4-4. (It really happened that way in July 1950). </div> <bR> <div> So, back to the night of June 18, 2002. I shut down this computer not knowing what to put on the cover of the next KOM League newsletter. I went upstairs not knowing--or caring that much what the score of the baseball game was. I watched the last six out of the game and knew that the Cardinals were in first place for the first time this season. The Cardinals had beaten the Angels and the Mariners had topped the Reds to place the Cardinals in their lofty position. Within an hour of the end of last nights game "The Voice of the Cardinals had gone to be with the Angels." Do you think Jack held on just to see his beloved "El Birdos" back on the top perch? </div> <bR> <div> Now if you think you know who is going to grace the cover of the next newsletter you know who it is and why. And in the words that Jack used at the conclusion of each of his sports shows, "Thanks for your time, this time, and until next time--so long." </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>