Loss of a legend

My Take, by Tim Brodt

The baseball community lost a legend one week ago. He wasn't a player, manager or owner, but a radio announcer by the name of Jack Buck.

After joining the legendary Harry Caray to broadcast St. Louis Cardinals games in 1954, Buck called Cardinals' games for almost a half century and was affectionately known as the voice of the Cardinals.

He passed away last Tuesday from complications following lung surgery at the age of 77.

To the casual baseball fan, Buck's death may not be significant.

To ardent fans of the game or to anyone who has ever listened to him call a game, his death signifies the passing of an era that may never be replaced.

Before the advent of cable and the popularity of sports on network television, radio brought the game to audiences in its simplest and purest form. Radio announcers had to describe the game well enough to fill your mind with the visual aspects of the action. Buck was one of the best.

As a young boy growing up in rural Illinois, I spent many summer evenings tuned into my local station that picked up Cardinals' broadcast.

From the moment the radio came on, Buck's distinctive raspy voice would immediately transport me to the game, putting me into a box seat over the Redbird's dugout with a bag of peanuts and an ice-cold soda.

Buck articulated the game so well that you didn't need to see it to know exactly what was going on.

He had a gift much like an artist. His blend of excitement and poise at the microphone radiated through the radio speakers to paint a perfect picture of the game, but always left you wanting more. His passion for the game was contagious, making it impossible to not be a fan.

It didn't matter if the game was an 8-0 blow out or a 12-11 barn-burner, Buck never sensationalized the game, instead he let the game stand on its own.

Although I never had an opportunity to meet the man, I feel that I have known him all of my life. Listening to that familiar voice describing the action of my boyhood idols was a comfortable summer routine that became a special part of my childhood.

Buck's passing is not only a loss to Cardinals' fans, it is a loss for all of baseball. His perspective of some of the greatest moments in baseball can never be retold. His legacy as a true ambassador of America's past time leaves a huge void to the game.

It is rare in sports that announcers are paid homage by their sport, their team or its fans. Buck was honored with induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987 for his contributions as an announcer. He was so revered by the St. Louis Cardinals organization that a bronze bust of him stands outside Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Last Thursday, two days after his death, thousands of fans came to Busch Stadium to pay their respects to him during a closed casket visitation near home plate.

He will be missed.