On April 25, 1969, Joseph Francis “Joe” Buck was born in St. Petersburg while his father, legendary St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck, was in town for spring training. The Cardinals held their spring training in St. Petersburg, making the Sunshine City an unexpected part of the story of one of baseball’s most familiar voices.
Joe Buck grew up in the St. Louis area, following his father into broadcasting. He eventually became a familiar voice on FOX Sports, calling Major League Baseball and NFL games, including numerous World Series. In 2026, he was named the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award by the National Baseball Hall of Fame for his contributions to baseball broadcasting.
But before the World Series, Super Bowls, and national broadcasts, Joe Buck had a very different distinction: he was a St. Petersburg baby.
His birthplace was St. Anthony’s Hospital, adding one more unexpected connection between St. Petersburg’s spring training history and the world of sports broadcasting.
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