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!

Joe Buck's Narration.

I'm so glad that I didn't read this book. I think Joe Buck's narration was superb. It's a wonderful 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.

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...

Takes some getting used to, but… Good story.

Like several previous reviewers , I was a bit taken aback by the amount of profanity and freewheeling technique that Joe uses for this, but as a broadcaster myself, hard to be offended by a broadcaster doing that when it’s not like I never use that language myself. We all do. Once I got adjusted to that, it was truly a love - hate relationship with the book. He’s one of my favorite national broadcasters, but I have always been able to understand how some people consider him snarky. I think the overpowering voice has something to do with that, but there were several times during the book where his “devil-may-care attitude“ toed the line of coming off as self-entitled or privileged. But that’s OK… Because it was genuine and honest. I don’t think he is self-entitled or selfish or snarky - any more than most performers are. He has an ego, and he uses it to his advantage. In the end, enjoyed having him read his own story, and wish him well.

Surprisingly Crude

I sincerely admire and enjoy Buck's sports announcing and analysis. His dad was a brilliant talent and Joe obviously inherited much of that marvelous ability. Joe, however, fancies himself as being funny and evidently thinks every story needs a below-the-belt reference, at least so far. I was surprised. I spent 8 years in the military and became a career musician so I'm no prude but I don’t need to hear gratuitous and graphic stories about his penis and bodily functions. He even talks about picking his nose. Really? He must think his listeners want locker room talk so he employs lots of cursing and crudity that just grate on the ear and interfere with what could be interesting and amusing vignettes. He's that friend you ask to please watch his mouth around your mom. Back it goes...alas.

More than inside baseball. Inside everything about Joe Buck! Refreshingly candid from anyone. Especially given the spotlight!

First, Joe read it! How does it get better? Whether you like his voice or not (I do), no reader can put the feeling into the words the way the subject can do for him or herself. Second, you’ll learn a lot that’s worth knowing about a superstar. Finally, as if to make it abundantly clear, Joe spends more time sharing what some may feel are his shortcomings. My take is that sharing these vulnerabilities...that we all have whether we admit it or not...is both refreshing to hear and cathartic for Joe. This book makes sense as he has grown to release his new podcast. And the podcast really only makes sense if you have the full backstory shared in this amazing journey.

Great stories!

Thought it was a great book. Loved having Joe's voice for his own book.

Newfound respect for this class act

I did not know what to expect from this book but knew Joe Buck would have a huge wealth of background to fill the pages. I connected with him on every level in this humble, candid, and often humorous account. His candor, self-depreciation, and LOVE of his father and family were a delight to listen to in his words and voice. To his word, he did not waste time reliving that which could have been read in the sports column. He spoke candidly, and almost always positively, of sports personalities on the field or in the press box. Knowledge and experience that could only be told from vast and a lifetime of experiences from a unique perspective. It was moving to hear him speak of his father, daughters, and loves. I have viewed Joe as a true professional in the booth. After reading (listening) to this book, I will enjoy him on a more personal and respected level. This is a book by a man you would like to call a friend.

Great Audiobook

Great sports stories and great laughter, but surprisingly also some great life lessons. Happy Joe Buck spoke the whole audio book unlike some other audio books I have listen to. I heard it is sometimes more difficult then writing the actual book so I appreciate that. Thanks Joe for bringing me back to some sports nostalgia since no sports are on right. Ow.

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.