0:00 1991 Budweiser 500
1:49 1998 Gumout Lifelong Formula 200
2:41 1998 DieHard 250
7:41 1998 UAW-GM Quality 500
8:58 1999 Alltel 200
9:43 1999 Dura Lube/Kmart 300
10:01 1999 MBNA Gold 200
14:41 1999 MBNA Gold 400
15:20 2000 Pocono 500
16:47 2000 Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500k
This compilation seemed to have turned out to be more about funny TNN moments than Buddy Baker, but I've always wanted to do a compilation like this for years and seems fitting to do it now to honor Buddy's induction to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Buddy Baker was a very accomplished driver, but many fans, including myself, saw him first as a broadcaster. He may not have been sophisticated in the English language, but he brought a lot of NASCAR concepts into simpler terms, explaining what the drivers are thinking and how the tracks drove in a folksy southern manner. He sure had a lot of fun, especially when Darrell Waltrip was involved. His cackle was so infectious. Buddy was one of the broadcasters that helped form my knowledge and understanding of the sport and I still really miss him on broadcasts.
My favorite quote of his was when Jeremy Mayfield bumped Dale Earnhardt out of the way at the 2000 Pocono 500 where he said 'you live by the sword, you die by the sword.' I never heard such a better description on the bump and run maneuver, especially talking about Earnhardt, who was almost never on the receiving end of a bump-and-run until that day at Pocono.
This spans from the first broadcast I could find of him on TNN, the 1991 Budweiser 500 to the last TNN broadcast at the 2000 Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500. He seemed really quiet at first, but he really became comfortable towards the end of the 90s.
If you have other suggestions or other broadcasting moments I missed, please let me know.
Videos uploaded by SMIFF TV, Mike Pinto, KingCuervo88, Dave W, TheRacingJungleIII, TheRacingJungle, and NASCAR Archives.
Credit to TNN, TBS, and NASCAR.