[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN FRANCIS ``JACK'' BUCK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2002

  Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today it is my pleasure to join 
my colleagues in honoring a truly great American, Jack Buck. For nearly 
five decades, Jack Buck's memorable voice announced Super Bowls, World 
Series and the games of his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. I was honored 
to actually be in the broadcast booth at Busch Stadium with him on a 
few occasions. Growing up in Central Illinois, Jack Buck became 
baseball to me. His voice was that of a trusted friend's and he became 
like a member of my family. I distinctly remember his calls of Stan 
Musial, Bob Gibson, Ozzie Smith and Mark McGwire and I will never 
forget game five of the 1985 National League Championship Series. Ozzie 
Smith had hit a home run to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers and a very 
excited and emotional Jack Buck told everyone to, ``Go crazy, folks, go 
crazy''. This man, this legend, came from nothing to become everything 
he wanted to be. He is a shining example of what is good and right and 
what can be achieved in our country. Tradition and the integrity of 
baseball are words that come to my mind when I think of this pillar of 
his community. He did so much for St. Louis and those of us in the 
Midwest fortunate enough to have KMOX on our dials. My thoughts and 
prayers are for the Buck family and the fans of Jack Buck and the St. 
Louis Cardinals organization in this time of mourning.

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