Joe Buck has had a legendary career in sports broadcasting. Buck, who was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, began announcing in 1989 during his time at Indiana University. He was a play-by-play announcer for the Louisville Redbirds, a minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 1991, Buck joined the Cardinals’ broadcast team, along with his father, Jack Buck, where he stayed until 2007. He also began his NFL play-by-play duties with Fox in 1994, where he eventually started calling baseball games as well.
Now, Buck is ESPN’s lead play-by-play voice on NFL “Monday Night Football” broadcasts alongside Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman. He also returned to baseball broadcasting in 2025, as he called MLB’s Opening Day on ESPN.
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The 56-year-old has been given many accolades throughout his esteemed career. Buck has won eight Emmy Awards and been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He has broadcast more World Series and MLB All-Star Games on broadcast television than any other play-by-play announcer in the history of the sport.
On Wednesday, the National Baseball Hall of Fame recognized Buck as the recipient of the 2026 Ford C. Frick Award, which is given each year for excellence in broadcasting.
“Congratulations to Joe Buck, the 2026 Ford C. Frick Award winner!” the hall announced on X.
Congratulations to Joe Buck, the 2026 Ford C. Frick Award winner! pic.twitter.com/aS4ArsIC7E
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) December 10, 2025
This incredible honor brought in a host of congratulations from fans on social media.
“@Buck Absolutely well deserved! Congratulations!!!” one fan said.
“Congratulations @buck !” wrote another.
“Earned and deserved,” chimed in one more.
At 56, Buck becomes the second-youngest winner of the award, behind only Vin Scully, who won it at 54 years old. He also joined his father, who was the 1987 recipient, as they became the only father-son duo to win the Frick Award.
“Well deserved,” the comments continued.
“Well deserved-congratulations!” another fan said.
As he becomes the 50th winner of the Frick Award, Buck will be honored during the Hall of Fame Awards Presentation July 24-27.
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