Joe Buck is Born: April 25, 1969

Joe Buck with Troy Aikmann
Fox Sports

Joe Buck was born on April 25, 1969, in St. Petersburg, Florida and grew up in St. Louis. Buck is a prominent American sportscaster known for his distinctive voice and significant contributions to sports broadcasting. The son of legendary sportscaster Jack Buck, Joe was immersed in the world of sports broadcasting from an early age, which greatly influenced his career path.

In 1986 on his 17th birthday, Joe’s father Jack, who was in the middle of calling a Cardinals game, told Joe to take over and walked out of the booth. Joe stepped in without incident. In the 90s Buck began his broadcasting career in earnest after graduating from Indiana University with a degree in English and telecommunications. He started by calling games for the Louisville Redbirds, a minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, and later for the University of Missouri’s basketball broadcasts. His big break came in 1994 when he was hired by Fox Sports at the age of 25, becoming one of the youngest sportscasters to announce NFL games on network television.

Over the years, Joe Buck has become one of the most recognizable voices in sports. He has called numerous high-profile events for Fox, including multiple Super Bowls, Major League Baseball World Series, and U.S. Open golf tournaments. Buck is known for his calm, analytical approach to play-by-play announcing, which has garnered him several accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards.

Despite facing criticism at times for perceived bias or his broadcasting style, Buck has maintained a prominent position in the sports broadcasting world. His ability to handle big moments with poise and his deep understanding of the games he covers have cemented his status as a top-tier sportscaster. In addition to his sports broadcasting career, Buck has made appearances on various talk shows and television series, expanding his visibility beyond the sports arena.