cover image Lucky Bastard: My Life, My Dad, and the Things I’m Not Allowed to Say On TV

Lucky Bastard: My Life, My Dad, and the Things I’m Not Allowed to Say On TV

Joe Buck. Dutton, $28 (320p) ISBN 978-1-101-98456-7

In this entertaining memoir, sportscaster Buck writes a tongue-in-cheek memoir about bonding with his father, sportscaster Jack Buck; the importance of family; and a worthy profession he feels fortunate to be in. Buck considers how lucky he was that his father was the adored “Voice of the St. Louis Cardinals,” and acknowledges that he learned broadcasting from his idol and never considered any other job. His debut gig was as a commentator for the Cardinals’ Triple-A team at age 19. His meteoric rise, complete with a few hiccups, is well chronicled here, from his first game with the Cardinals in 1990 to his current high-flying status as the lead Fox Sports announcer for the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Major League Baseball All-Star game, and the U.S. Open. Buck sings the praises of legends Mel Allen, Harry Caray, Bob Costas, Al Michaels, and Vin Scully. With a comic yet reverent approach to his life and broadcasting, Buck effectively captures the merging of his career and the popularity of American sports. [em](Nov.) [/em]