By Stig Editor 
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San Francisco Giants broadcasters Mike Krukow, 73, and Duane Kuiper, 75, have reaffirmed their commitment to remain in the broadcast booth for as long as their health allows, dispelling any speculation about their retirement. The beloved duo, known affectionately as “Kruk and Kuip,” shared their intentions in a recent interview with former Oakland Tribune columnist Dave Newhouse for the Ultimate Sports Guide newsletter. “That’s the plan,” Krukow stated, emphasizing their desire to continue. “We’ll go on as long as we can.” Kuiper echoed this sentiment, adding, “If we can do it, we’ll do it until we can’t.” Their announcement has been met with enthusiasm from fans who cherish their chemistry and insight, a hallmark of Giants broadcasts for over three decades.
Krukow and Kuiper, both former Giants players, have been broadcasting partners for 30 years, earning widespread acclaim as one of baseball’s premier broadcast teams. Awful Announcing ranked them No. 1 in 2023 for the fourth time, a testament to their enduring appeal and expertise. Their broadcasts blend deep baseball knowledge with a lighthearted, whimsical style that resonates with Bay Area fans. Despite their ages and health challenges, the duo’s passion for the game remains undiminished. Krukow, a former pitcher, and Kuiper, a former second baseman, draw on their playing experience to offer insights that are both authoritative and relatable, making them legends in the Giants’ community.
Health challenges have tested the duo’s resilience in recent years. Krukow, diagnosed with inclusion body myositis (IBM) in 2011, no longer travels with the team due to mobility issues, relying on a walking stick and a scooter to navigate from his home to Oracle Park for home games. For road games, he calls the action from the NBC Sports Bay Area studio in San Francisco. Kuiper, meanwhile, faced a significant setback with an undisclosed cancer diagnosis that sidelined him for most of the 2021 season, undergoing chemotherapy. He also suffered the devastating loss of his wife, Michelle, in February 2022. Despite these challenges, Kuiper reports positive health updates, with regular scans showing encouraging results.
Their friendship, forged during their playing days with the Giants from 1983 to 1985, is a cornerstone of their broadcast success. Kuiper has been a vital support for Krukow, often guiding him through physical obstacles like TV cables or uneven terrain, earning the nickname “Sherpa” from his partner. This camaraderie extends to their on-air dynamic, where their playful banter and mutual respect shine through. Fans have expressed both admiration and concern, with some on social media suggesting that while they adore the duo, they hope Krukow and Kuiper retire before their health declines further. Others, however, celebrate their determination, with one fan noting, “Kruk and Kuip would broadcast games forever if it were possible.”
Recent contract extensions ensure that Krukow and Kuiper, along with radio broadcasters Dave Flemming and Jon Miller, will remain with the Giants through at least 2026. Krukow’s new deal includes a provision allowing him to join the radio team on KNBR for games preempted by national broadcasts, ensuring he can call all 81 home games and 23 road games from the studio. Kuiper plans to travel for approximately 25 road games, maintaining their split-cast arrangement. Giants president and CEO Larry Baer emphasized the team’s commitment to keeping the quartet, stating, “They’re not going anywhere.” This continuity reassures fans who view the broadcasters as integral to the Giants’ identity.
As Krukow and Kuiper look ahead, their dedication to baseball and each other remains unwavering. Krukow has expressed a desire to emulate legendary broadcasters like Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn, continuing until the end. Kuiper, in turn, has vowed to stay as long as Krukow does, a testament to their inseparable bond. While some fans worry about the toll of their health struggles, the duo’s love for the game and their craft drives them forward. “The game is changing,” Krukow noted, “but it’s still an intriguing game. Duane and I remind ourselves how hard the game is, so we treat it with fairness.” For Giants fans, the voices of Kruk and Kuip will continue to be a cherished part of the baseball experience.