On this day in 1986, Joe Buck was celebrating his 17th birthday by visiting his father, Jack, in the Cardinals broadcast booth. Without warning, Jack told Joe to take over then walked out.

Joe didn’t bobble the ball at all. Instead, he stepped up to the plate and delivered a near perfect announcing performance.

Jack must have known his son was a natural – Joe went on to become one of the nation’s top sports announcers.  

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

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