Jack Buck undergoes lung-cancer surgery

ST. LOUIS -- Broadcast legend Jack Buck underwent surgery for lung cancer Wednesday. His family reports that he's doing well following the operation and should be released from the hospital soon.

"He's doing great," his son and radio partner, Joe Buck, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in Saturday's edition. "He's actually up and walking around and expected to go home in a few days."

Buck hosted the Missouri Athletic Club Sports Personality of the Year Award ceremony in St. Louis Tuesday night.

Joe Buck said doctors on Wednesday removed a small, cancerous tumor from his father's right lung. Doctors said the cancer had not spread, he added.

Doctors discovered the tumor in November when Buck, 77, had a routine chest X-ray after the batteries in his pacemaker were changed, his son said.

Buck already manages several medical problems that began in 1945 when he was wounded in the left arm while serving in the military.

His medical ailments include Parkinson's disease, diabetes, cataracts, vertigo, color blindness and painful sciatica.

Known for his humor, Buck jokes about his medical problems at the 250 or so dinners and luncheons at which he serves as master of ceremonies each year, often donating his time.

"The cancer just adds to the list he can use at his next banquet," his son said.

Much of Jack Buck's success has come as a key member of the Cardinals' broadcast team since 1954 and the voice of the Monday night NFL game for 16 seasons.