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End of an Era: Giants Legend Mike Krukow Retires After This Season
Mike Krukow, Beloved Giants Broadcaster, Announces Retirement After 37 Seasons
Big News for Giants Fans: After nearly four decades in the broadcast booth, Mike Krukow is hanging up his headset at the end of this season.
Who Is Mike Krukow?
Think of Mike Krukow (nicknamed "Kruk") as the friendly uncle who taught you everything you know about baseball. Here’s the quick version:
- Age: 74 years young
- Giants History: Joined the team way back in 1983 as a pitcher
- Broadcast Career: 37 seasons calling games on TV
- Dynamic Duo: Half of the legendary "Kruk and Kuip" team with partner Duane Kuiper ("Kuip")
- Health Challenge: Has been battling inclusion-body myositis (a rare muscle disease) for over 15 years
The Announcement: In His Own Words
Mike shared a heartfelt message through the Giants organization. Here are the most touching parts:
"Jennifer and I have been so blessed to be able to stay in the game for as long as we have… 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."
Fun fact: That’s a lyric from Green Day’s "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" — perfect for a farewell!
Why This Is Such a Big Deal
A Broadcast Team Like No Other
"Kruk and Kuip" aren’t just announcers — they’re institutions. Their broadcasts are famous for:
- Inside jokes and catchphrases — enough to fill an entire glossary!
- Consistently ranked at the very top of MLB broadcast teams
- Making complex baseball simple and fun for everyone
- Genuine friendship you can hear through your TV speakers
Overcoming Challenges
Mike’s recent years haven’t been easy:
| Timeline | Situation |
|---|---|
| Before 2020 | Traveled with team as far as Colorado |
| 2020–Present | Calls road games remotely from home |
| 15+ Years | Living with inclusion-body myositis (IBM) |
What is Inclusion-Body Myositis?
Think of it like your muscles gradually getting tired and weak, and they don’t bounce back the way they used to. It’s a rare, progressive condition that makes moving around harder over time. Despite this, Mike kept showing up for fans — that’s dedication!
The Giants Family Reacts
Larry Baer (Giants President & CEO) Says It Best:
"He has been our spiritual leader… Most importantly, he has had a rare gift for making every Giants fan feel like they belong."
"No one embodies [being a] Forever Giant more completely than Kruk."
Mark Your Calendars!
Special Tribute Night: September 27 at Oracle Park
The Giants will honor Mike in front of the home crowd he’s entertained for decades.
What Made "Kruk and Kuip" Special? (A Quick Guide)
- They explained the "why" — Not just what happened, but why the pitcher threw that pitch
- They laughed together — Real, contagious laughter that made you feel like part of the conversation
- They cared — About the players, the fans, and each other
- They created a language — "Grab some pine," "Splinters," "Uglier than a mud fence" — phrases only Giants fans understand
- They were constants — In a sport of trades and free agency, they stayed
Summary: The End of an Era (But Not the Memories)
| What’s Happening | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Mike retiring | 37-season broadcast career ends |
| Health struggles | IBM limited travel, but not spirit |
| Tribute game | Sept 27 at Oracle Park — don’t miss it! |
| Legacy remains | "Kruk and Kuip" = gold standard of broadcasting |
| Fans’ feelings | Grateful, emotional, proud |
Bottom line: Mike Krukow didn’t just call baseball games. He welcomed generations of fans into the Giants family. And as he says — they had the time of their lives.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
When exactly is Mike’s last game?
The season ends in late September/early October. His final home broadcast will likely be around the September 27 tribute game at Oracle Park.
Will Duane Kuiper continue broadcasting?
Yes! Duane ("Kuip") has not announced retirement. He’ll continue, though the booth will feel very different without his partner of 37 years.
What is "inclusion-body myositis" in simple terms?
It’s a rare muscle disease where muscles slowly weaken and don’t repair themselves well. It makes walking, climbing stairs, and traveling difficult — which is why Mike stopped road trips.
Can I watch the tribute ceremony?
Absolutely! The September 27 game at Oracle Park will be televised on NBC Sports Bay Area (the Giants’ regular TV home).
Where can I learn all the "Kruk and Kuip" catchphrases?
There’s an actual glossary published by The Athletic! Search: "Mike Krukow Duane Kuiper glossary Giants" — it’s hilarious and has dozens of their famous sayings.
"Whether someone is sitting in the ballpark, watching from home, or listening on the radio halfway around the world, Kruk makes every Giants fan feel like they are part of something bigger — a family."
— Larry Baer, Giants President & CEO
Thank you, Kruk. For the laughs, the lessons, and the love.
