SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – There\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Now, we learn a little more about the man thanks to a new movie called, \u201cSoul on Fire.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c(Jack Buck) overheard a conversation that a little kid in our community got burned and was going to die,\u201d best-selling author, John O\u2019Leary, said.<\/p>\n
To understand Jack\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d John said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d John said. \u201cAnd Jack says to me, \u2018Kid, wake up. You are going to live, keep fighting.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n
The movie captured those moments with William H. Macy playing Jack Buck.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I first came to see you, they said you had no chance, but here you are,\u201d Macy said as Jack Buck in the movie.<\/p>\n
The film is based on John\u2019s book called \u201cOn Fire.\u201d He credits Jack Buck, his family, friends, and hospital staff with saving his life and giving him a purpose.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt reminds me that we\u2019re not alone, that we are unified,\u201d John said. \u201cEven if we try to build up these walls separating us from one another, those who act and look and worship and vote differently, we\u2019re reunited.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the release of his book, John has spoken at more than 2,700 events.<\/p>\n
His message, basically what Jack Buck told him during his numerous visits over five months in the hospital – every life is worth living. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you leave the film, you walk out of there not thinking, \u2018Gosh, O\u2019Leary\u2019s such a stud, good for him,\u2019 no. That you walk out of there or you roll out of there saying, \u2018God, what a gift.\u2019 And you\u2019re not talking about me, but you\u2019re talking about yourself. And if that\u2019s true, it changes the way you show up, it changes the way you do life, and it changes the world we live in.\u201d<\/p>\n
The movie \u201cSoul on Fire\u201d was shot in St. Louis. It\u2019s more than just about the connection John O\u2019Leary made with Jack Buck, but all of the people in his life who gave him strength. His book, \u201cOn Fire,\u201d<\/a> and the follow-up, \u201cIn Awe,<\/a>\u201d can be found on Amazon<\/a> or wherever books are sold.<\/p>\n