SF Giants Broadcast Legends Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper Vow to “Go On as Long as We Can”
For nearly three decades, the voices of Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper have echoed through San Francisco living rooms, car radios, and ballpark loudspeakers. Known affectionately as “Kruk and Kuip”, the duo have transcended the traditional role of broadcasters, becoming part of the fabric of Giants baseball itself. Now, at the ages of 71 and 73 respectively, they are reminding fans that they’re not ready to hang up the headsets just yet.
In a candid conversation ahead of the Giants’ September stretch, Krukow and Kuiper confirmed what many fans had quietly hoped: they plan to keep calling games for as long as they can physically and mentally manage. “We love what we do,” said Kuiper. “As long as we can bring energy, bring fun, and give fans the game the way we know it, we’ll keep going.”
More Than Broadcasters
Krukow, a former Giants pitcher, and Kuiper, a second baseman who played for Cleveland and San Francisco, have been inseparable in the broadcast booth since the early 1990s. Their chemistry a blend of humor, candid analysis, and a deep love for the game has made them one of the most beloved duos in sports broadcasting.
“It’s like sitting next to your best friend and talking baseball,” Krukow explained. “That’s how we’ve always seen it. We’re lucky that fans see it the same way.”
Their bond has carried Giants fans through eras of triumph and heartbreak: Barry Bonds’ home run chase, the agony of playoff near-misses, and, most memorably, the three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Their laughter-filled calls of Pablo Sandoval’s heroics or Madison Bumgarner’s dominance have become immortal highlights in Giants history.
Facing the Reality of Age
Both men, however, are realistic about the passage of time. Krukow has openly battled inclusion body myositis, a progressive muscle disease that has affected his mobility. Kuiper, meanwhile, has endured personal health challenges and the emotional toll of losing his wife, Michelle, in 2022.
Yet, their resilience continues to inspire. “There are days it’s tough,” Krukow admitted. “But when I sit in that chair and see the field, all of that melts away. Baseball keeps you young, even if your body tells you otherwise.”
Kuiper echoed his partner’s sentiment. “Every season, we ask ourselves: do we still have the juice? Do we still feel like we’re adding something for the fans? And the answer has always been yes. Until that changes, we’ll keep coming back.”
Giants Fans Return the Love
The announcement that Kruk and Kuip intend to continue has sparked joy throughout Giants Nation. On social media, fans have flooded message boards and comment sections with gratitude, recalling how the duo shaped their love of baseball.
“Listening to Kruk and Kuip feels like home,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “They’re as much a part of my Giants memories as Buster Posey or Willie Mays.”
Others emphasized the emotional comfort they’ve provided. “When my dad passed away, I kept listening to games just to hear their voices,” another fan shared. “It made me feel like life was still normal.”
A Legacy That Extends Beyond the Booth
What sets Kruk and Kuip apart is more than just longevity. It’s the sense of humanity they bring to the job. They’re storytellers, weaving anecdotes about players, cities, and quirky ballpark moments into the rhythm of the game. They poke fun at themselves, each other, and sometimes even the team they love always with warmth.
“That’s the thing about them,” said Giants manager Bob Melvin. “They don’t just tell you what’s happening, they make you feel the game. You can hear the joy in their voices.”
Their impact has not gone unnoticed. Both men have received multiple Emmy Awards for broadcasting, and in 2017, the Giants dedicated the Oracle Park broadcast booth in their honor. The “Kruk and Kuip Booth” sign now greets fans walking the concourse, a permanent reminder of their contributions.
Looking Ahead
Neither Krukow nor Kuiper has a timetable for retirement. Instead, they’re taking things one season at a time. “When it stops being fun, or when we feel like we’re not sharp anymore, we’ll know,” Kuiper said. “But right now, we’re still having the time of our lives.”
For the Giants organization, keeping the duo on air is as important as roster decisions or front office hires. Team executives understand that for many fans, Kruk and Kuip are the heartbeat of summer nights. “They’ve been with us through everything,” one official noted. “Their voices are part of our identity.”
The Gift of Time
In the end, what Krukow and Kuiper are giving Giants fans is something priceless: more time. More time to laugh at their banter, more time to relive the joys of past seasons, and more time to share the rhythms of the game with two men who have become extended family to millions.
“As long as our voices hold out, and as long as the fans still want us, we’ll be here,” Krukow said with a smile.
It’s a promise that Giants fans will hold onto with all their hearts, cherishing every inning, every story, and every moment shared with the voices that have defined an era.
Because in baseball, as in life, some partnerships are simply too good to let go.
