As San Francisco Giants broadcasters Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper reflect on their careers, the two legends share memories of their early years in the booth, as they are now finalists for the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award. The award, which honors exceptional broadcasters, celebrates their contribution to the game of baseball, and Krukow and Kuiper’s long-standing partnership has made them fan favorites in the Bay Area.
Krukow, a former pitcher for the Giants, transitioned into broadcasting in the early 1990s after retiring from baseball. His distinctive voice and witty commentary quickly earned him a place in the hearts of fans. Kuiper, who played for both the Giants and Cleveland Indians, joined Krukow in the booth in 1987. Together, their dynamic chemistry and humorous exchanges have become a signature of Giants broadcasts.
Both broadcasters recall their early days calling games, where they had to quickly adapt to the nuances of their new roles. Krukow remembers the challenge of balancing his knowledge of the game with the need to keep the audience engaged. “It was all about finding that balance between giving insight and making it entertaining,” he said.
Kuiper, known for his dry humor and quick wit, added that the transition from playing to broadcasting wasn’t as easy as it seemed. “It was a different world, but Mike made it a lot easier,” he said, referring to Krukow’s mentorship early on.
Now, as finalists for the Ford C. Frick Award, both broadcasters reflect on their careers with gratitude. Their journey from the playing field to the broadcast booth has made them integral figures in Giants history, and their nomination is a fitting recognition of their enduring impact on the game of baseball.