Giants Legend Mike Krukow Announces Retirement After 36 Years Behind the Mic

The Big News

Mike Krukow, the beloved voice of the San Francisco Giants for over three decades, announced on Thursday that he will retire at the end of this baseball season. At 74 years old, "Kruk" has been a fixture in the broadcast booth alongside his partner Duane Kuiper for 36 years—making them one of the longest-running duos in sports broadcasting history.

Who Is Mike Krukow?

Before he became a broadcaster, Krukow was a pretty great baseball player himself:

• Pitched for the Giants from 1983 to 1989
• Named an All-Star in 1986 (that means he was one of the best players in the league that year!)
• Also played for the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies earlier in his career
• After retiring as a player in 1990, he joined the Giants’ radio team on KNBR as a color analyst (the person who explains why things happen during the game)

A Broadcasting Partnership for the Ages

Fun Fact: Krukow and Kuiper have worked together longer than most marriages last!

• 36 seasons together on radio and television
• Known for their chemistry, humor, and deep friendship
• Fans affectionately call them "Kruk and Kuip"
• They’ve called everything from heartbreaking losses to three World Series championships (2010, 2012, 2014)

Facing a Tough Opponent: Inclusion Body Myositis

Since the mid-2000s, Krukow has been battling a rare disease called inclusion body myositis (IBM).

Important Point: What is IBM?

• A rare, progressive, and incurable muscle disease
• Causes muscles to slowly weaken over time
• Makes everyday movements (walking, gripping, speaking) increasingly difficult
• Despite this, Krukow kept broadcasting for nearly 20 years after his diagnosis

In His Own Words: Krukow’s Farewell Statement

Krukow released a heartfelt message through the team. Here are the most touching parts:

> "I just want to let everyone know that I will be retiring at the end of the season. I want to take this time to thank you for your incredible support."

> "Jennifer and I have been so blessed to be able to stay in the game for as long as we have…" (Jennifer is his wife)

> "We are bracing for the emotional hits we know we are going to feel in the next few weeks."

> "Jennifer and I are wondering if it is even possible to let everyone know how deeply we love and respect our Giants family."

> "Our time together has been a gift."

> "When Green Day asked, ‘I hope you’ve had the time of your lives,’ we certainly have."

> "Thank you."

Why This Matters

Summary

Mike Krukow is retiring after a remarkable 36-year run as the color commentator for the San Francisco Giants. A former All-Star pitcher turned beloved broadcaster, Krukow—alongside partner Duane Kuiper—became the soundtrack of Giants baseball for generations. Despite battling a rare muscle disease (inclusion body myositis) for nearly two decades, he continued to bring warmth, humor, and insight to every broadcast. His farewell statement reflects deep gratitude for the "Giants family" and a career he calls "a gift." The final games of this season will mark the end of an era.

FAQ

How long has Mike Krukow been with the Giants broadcast team?
36 seasons—since 1990, first on radio, then on both radio and TV alongside Duane Kuiper.

Did Mike Krukow play for the Giants?
Yes! He pitched for San Francisco from 1983 to 1989 and was an All-Star in 1986.

What health condition does he have?
Inclusion body myositis (IBM)—a rare, progressive, incurable muscle disease that causes gradual muscle weakness. He was diagnosed in the mid-2000s.

Who is Duane Kuiper?
Krukow’s broadcast partner of 36 years. A former Giants player himself (second baseman), Kuiper does the play-by-play while Krukow provided color commentary.

When is his last game?
At the end of the 2024 regular season (exact date depends on the Giants’ final schedule).

What does "Kruk and Kuip" mean?
It’s the affectionate nickname fans gave the duo—Kruk (Krukow) and Kuip (Kuiper).