SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – There’s a new movie in theaters telling the inspiring story of a man who, in his darkest days as a nine-year-old, was given a purpose from a giant in our Ozarks Life.
Jack Buck is the soundtrack to so many great memories. For decades, his radio calls showcased some of the best moments in St. Louis Cardinals baseball history.
Now, we learn a little more about the man thanks to a new movie called, “Soul on Fire.”
“(Jack Buck) overheard a conversation that a little kid in our community got burned and was going to die,” best-selling author, John O’Leary, said.
To understand Jack’s impact on John, we have to go back to 1987. Nine-year-old John did what other kids were doing – playing with fire and gasoline.
“I went into the garage, bent over a can of gasoline, five gallons, 42 pounds, tried to turn the can toward the flame, and before the liquid came out, the fumes split the metal in two, this explosion did,” John said.
“It picked up this nine-year-old, and it launched me 20 feet against the far side of the garage, setting me on fire, setting the garage on fire, and changing my life.”
John had burns to 100% of his body with 87% being in the third degree. He was taken to the hospital and given no chance of surviving.
“I listen as my door opens up, footsteps walk in, chair comes across the floor, and then the booming voice of Jack Buck brings light through the darkness,” John said. “And Jack says to me, ‘Kid, wake up. You are going to live, keep fighting.’”
The movie captured those moments with William H. Macy playing Jack Buck.
“When I first came to see you, they said you had no chance, but here you are,” Macy said as Jack Buck in the movie.
The film is based on John’s book called “On Fire.” He credits Jack Buck, his family, friends, and hospital staff with saving his life and giving him a purpose.
“It reminds me that we’re not alone, that we are unified,” John said. “Even if we try to build up these walls separating us from one another, those who act and look and worship and vote differently, we’re reunited.”
Following the release of his book, John has spoken at more than 2,700 events.
His message, basically what Jack Buck told him during his numerous visits over five months in the hospital – every life is worth living.
“When you leave the film, you walk out of there not thinking, ‘Gosh, O’Leary’s such a stud, good for him,’ no. That you walk out of there or you roll out of there saying, ‘God, what a gift.’ And you’re not talking about me, but you’re talking about yourself. And if that’s true, it changes the way you show up, it changes the way you do life, and it changes the world we live in.”
The movie “Soul on Fire” was shot in St. Louis. It’s more than just about the connection John O’Leary made with Jack Buck, but all of the people in his life who gave him strength. His book, “On Fire,” and the follow-up, “In Awe,” can be found on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
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