By Eric Stock

ST. LOUIS – A man who was badly burned as a child and nearly died is sharing the story of his survival and how the legendary St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck played a pivotal role.

John O’Leary was playing with a gas can that caught fire at him home when he was nine. He recalled getting a visit from the legendary broadcaster in the hospital.

“I’ve never met the gentleman before, I’ve just listened to him every night of my life as a kid,” O’Leary said. “He sits down directly next to me and he says to me loud and clear in that beautiful voice, ‘Kid, wake up. You are going to live. You are going to survive.’ ”

He recalls Buck visiting him in the hospital over a period of several months and promising a ‘John O’Leary Day’ at Busch Stadium when he pulls through – a promise he delivered on in 1987.

O’Leary explains how Buck inspired him to learn to write thank you letters after losing his fingers in that fire.

“Jack Buck knew I could not write, and yet he also knew the power of inspiration, of purpose, of drive,” O’Leary said.

Buck later gave O’Leary the crystal ball he received when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. Buck died in 2002.

Now at 38, O’Leary has written the book ‘On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life’ and it’s a best seller. He’s also gives inspirational speeches all over the United States in addition to running a successful real estate business.

“There’s no doubt Jack Buck was an instrumental part in why I am here today,” O’Leary said.

PODCAST: Listen to WJBC’s interview with O’Leary here. 

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].