Kristofer Karol | Nov. 12, 2009
 |
| Photos by James Brosher |
| Fox Sports’ Joe Buck takes questions from students after his talk in the Ernie Pyle library Tuesday. Buck was in the area as the last of the School of Journalism’s fall Speaker Series’ guests. |
“Everybody needs an opportunity,” he said. “What I’m here to tell you is once you get that opportunity … all that matters is what you do with that opportunity.”
Buck shared his insights with about 40 journalism and telecommunications students in Ernie Pyle Hall before his Tuesday night talk at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. His was the last talk of the School of Journalism’s fall Speaker Series.
Buck was a telecommunications major before dropping out before his senior year when he was offered a job calling games for the St. Louis Cardinals. At 21, he was calling Major League Baseball games; by 24, National Football League games; and by 27, the World Series.
The St. Louis native admits when he was an IU student he didn’t always work as hard as he could. Summers were for calling games for a Triple-A baseball club in Louisville and serving as the team’s traveling secretary, ensuring players got their meal cards, plane tickets and hotel keys. The time for the school year to start was almost a relief, Buck said.
But being so successful at such a young age was both a blessing a curse. His hometown newspaper, the St. Louis Post-Disptach, questioned whether he was the right choice for a sportscaster on Fox.
“I cried, honestly. I wasn’t ready for it,” Buck said of the criticism. “You can let it put you in a corner, sucking your thumb about it, or you can work hard and prove them wrong.”
Buck chose the latter option. A typical week as an NFL broadcaster starts on Monday when he reviews clippings from newspapers from the hometowns of the upcoming game’s contestants. He later watches a DVD of each team’s game from the last week, then makes a board of relevant information about players and teams, reviews stats, and travels to the game site on Friday. After interviewing key players and coaches on Friday and Saturday, it’s Sunday – game time.
 |
| Photo by James Brosher |
| Sportscaster Joe Buck told students to get internships, work hard and form their own personalities. He said this was his strategy to make his way in the shadow of his father, legendary broadcaster Jack Buck. |
“As an aspiring sports journalist, I really liked hearing what he did to prepare for games throughout the week,” said Kristin Carroll, an IU journalism senior. “Even if it was a little dry, taking us through his daily routine, it really helped me learn how I’m going to have to prepare in the future.”
IU journalism sophomore Adam Lukach said he was surprised by Buck’s straightforwardness and down-to-earth mentality.
“It was really interesting the insight he gave, especially on his younger years when he took a lot of criticism for getting his foot in the door through his father,” Lukach said. “I would imagine that’s really tough, as someone who’s trying really hard to get his foot in the door.”
More:
Sportcaster Joe Buck told students about some of his "favorites," including:- Favorite games he’s called: 2008 Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and New York Giants, 1996 World Series between the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves
- Favorite sports venues: Soldier Field, old Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field
- Favorite sport to call: Regular season football, postseason baseball
