Lucky Bastard

By: Joe Buck

Narrated by: Joe Buck

Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

Sports fans see Joe Buck everywhere: broadcasting one of the biggest games in the NFL every week, calling the World Series every year, announcing the Super Bowl every three years. They know his father, Jack Buck, is a broadcasting legend and that he was beloved in his adopted hometown of St. Louis.

Yet they have no idea who Joe really is. Or how he got here. They don't know how he almost blew his career. They haven't read his funniest and most embarrassing stories or heard about his interactions with the biggest sports stars of this era.

They don't know how hard he can laugh at himself - or that he thinks some of his critics have a point. And they don't know what it was really like to grow up in his father's shadow. Joe and Jack were best friends, but it wasn't that simple. Jack, the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals for almost 50 years, helped Joe get his broadcasting start at 18. But Joe had to prove himself, first as a minor league radio announcer, and then on local TV, national TV with ESPN, and then finally on FOX. He now has a successful, Emmy-winning career, but only after a lot of dues-paying, learning, and pretty damn entertaining mistakes that are recounted in this book.

In Lucky Bastard, Joe takes the listener into the broadcast booth and into his childhood home. Hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking, this is a book that any sports fan will love.

©2016 Joe Buck (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Do I love or hate Joe Buck?

Joe Buck. Down to earth, average Joe from Anytown, USA? Arrogant, spoiled brat with a self-righteous attitude and a lack of gratitude? Somewhere in between? After reading this book, you might end up thinking Joe Buck is great or you might want to kill him. I'm having a really hard time gauging what I think of the man. Joe presesnts a compelling case why you should love him and why you should hate him.

If you were considering this book, it's time to call an "Audible" (pun intended, pause for laughter). Spend your credit on someone more worthwhile, like Steve Young. Now there's a guy you could have a glass of milk with!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I thought you were the guy in Midnight Cowboy...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I always enjoy when a narrator reads their own book. At least they can't say they were misquoted.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lucky Bastard?

When he told about how that comedy guy Lange came on his showed and made him feel like Little Bo Peep.

Have you listened to any of Joe Buck’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Joe Buck is always a good listen so long as he doesn't destroy his voice unintentionally.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Hi, I'm Joe Buck...but not from Midnight Cowboy...but I have as much money as he does...wanna shag?" That would be my tag line.

Any additional comments?

Still waiting for a memorable call but don't worry kid, you got time...

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Terrific book from one of the best!

I really enjoyed this book. Joe is open, funny, and interesting.Highly recommended. Thanks to the author.

Joe you killed it.

If I had been reading along with print alone I would not have even come close to feeling the same way I did hearing the man speak about his relationships and personal struggles through his own voice. Joe if you outlive me do my eulogy. I have already recommended this book to more people than I ever thought I would.

A fun, light-hearted look at Joe's Life - Really Enjoyed it

By the time you get to the end of this book, the author – and narrator – will not have convinced you that he's is concerned about what other people think as he thinks or says he is. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Joe tell her stories about his dad, growing up of the Cardinals ball park, and getting to where he is today. I heard that his dad became a Christian later in life but Joe never mentioned it so I guess that never happened. If you have any connection to St Louis or enjoy the Cardinals, I highly recommend that you listen to this book. Joe does a great job of narrating it and I'm glad he took the time to do it.

Buck as in doesn't suck

I have never been a Joe Buck fan. In fact I don't really like him as a broadcaster but I saw him play himself on the show Brockmeier and heard him interviewed on the radio and found him to be funny and self-deprecating to the point that I wanted to hear his story. I was not disappointed. It is not a great book, but I found it very entertaining--in fact, laugh out loud funny in parts--and came away with a new respect for Buck. Would recommend to any sports fan.

Terrific Book

Great book. Very well read by Joe himself. Was neutral on Joe before, but now a big fan. Always enjoyed how he called a game. He definitely deserves to be where he is today.

Highly Recommend

Where does Lucky Bastard rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A really honest and open book that was a great listen. It is cool to hear Joe's story and his views on the sports/events he covers. Anyone who is a football/baseball fan should listen to this book!

Joe Buck a big disappointment

Joe Buck has so much to say and so many experiences to share. I've always thought of him as a great and versatile broadcaster. He still is that, but I have a much lower opinion of him after being barraged by his foul mouth and consistent cursing throughout the Audible book I listened to. He sounded as if he were making a pitiful attempt to be cool or accepted. It was just low-class, and I cannot recommend this book. He has embarrassed his daughters and himself.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

What You Would Expect and a Little More

Joe Buck sounds like the Joe Buck you know, with touching stories about his dad Jack; his perspective of his rise to broadcasting fame; and personal details about his family. His description of losing his voice is especially poignant. If you can put up with his occasional whining about his fame; and his arrogance in talking about his lack of arrogance; and too much talk about hair plugs, this is a good listen. I loved the story about Mike Shannon describing a group of French students attending a Cards game. Late in the book, Joe states that he is not really a fan of any team except the St. Louis Blues, which will make most St. Louis Cardinals fans shake their heads both in disbelief and agreement.

Arrogance and tedium

His startling self obsession; his craven dependence on his long dead papa is matched only by his toe-curling immaturity as he "falls for" his second wife and needs to rush to his "friends" to share his troubled thoughts with. And find the much needed reassurance they will offer. God how they must dread his car creeping up their drive. Leaves a nasty taste in the mouth. And I love his NFL commentary. So I was very disappointed.