- Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper Extend Their Giants Legacy With New Broadcast Arrangement
For San Francisco Giants fans, the familiar voices of Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper are as much a part of the team’s identity as the orange and black jerseys. This week, NBC Sports Bay Area and the Giants organization confirmed that the beloved duo — affectionately known to generations of fans simply as “Kruk and Kuip” — will continue calling games together under a new contract extension. The deal not only secures their partnership for the foreseeable future but also introduces a fresh arrangement for how and where the games will be broadcast.
A New Setup for a Legendary Pair
Under the terms of the extension, Mike Krukow will handle play-by-play and analysis for all 81 Giants home games directly from NBC Sports Bay Area’s studio. He will also participate in 22 road games remotely, giving fans his signature wit and insight even when the team is on the road. Duane Kuiper, meanwhile, will continue as the lead play-by-play announcer for the television broadcasts and will physically travel to the away games. This split setup means that while Krukow remains a constant voice on broadcasts, his physical travel will be limited — a decision rooted partly in health considerations but also in a broader trend in sports broadcasting.
For viewers, the shift represents an evolution rather than a disruption. Krukow’s analysis will still reach fans through every home broadcast and select road matchups, maintaining the dynamic chemistry with Kuiper that has made Giants telecasts a must-watch for decades. The arrangement reflects how technology and production practices now allow broadcasters to deliver seamless coverage even when announcers are not in the same physical location.
Why the Change?
Krukow, 72, has been candid about managing a chronic neuromuscular condition (inclusion body myositis) for several years. Although he remains as sharp and humorous as ever on air, travel has become more taxing. By working from the NBC Sports Bay Area studio in San Francisco, Krukow can continue doing what he loves — breaking down pitches, reading hitters, and telling stories — without the physical strain of constant road trips.
In a statement, Krukow emphasized his gratitude to Giants fans for their understanding and loyalty. “This setup allows me to keep calling games with Kuip and still be at my best for the fans,” he said. “I’m thrilled we’ve found a way to make it work for everyone.” Kuiper echoed that sentiment, noting how important it is for both broadcasters to keep sharing the booth, even if sometimes virtually: “Mike and I have been doing this a long time. Our goal has always been to bring fans as close to the game as possible. This new arrangement lets us keep doing that.”
An Unmatched Partnership
Krukow and Kuiper’s partnership dates back to the early 1990s. Kuiper, a former infielder who played parts of 12 seasons in the majors, joined the Giants broadcast team in 1986. Krukow, a former Giants pitcher and 20-game winner, transitioned to broadcasting after his playing career ended and paired with Kuiper not long after. Over the years, they developed a rapport filled with inside jokes, playful ribbing, and genuine affection for the game and each other. Their easygoing style and encyclopedic knowledge of baseball have made them one of the most beloved broadcast teams in sports.
Giants telecasts under Kruk and Kuip are famous for their mix of deep analysis and humor. A quirky foul ball or a fan’s costume in the stands might prompt a few minutes of banter, while a pitching change could lead to a lesson in baseball strategy. Through it all, they convey the rhythms of a 162-game season in a way that resonates with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Remote Broadcasting Becomes the Norm
While some fans might initially be concerned about a broadcaster working remotely, the industry has increasingly moved in this direction. During the pandemic, virtually all MLB teams experimented with remote broadcasts out of necessity. Networks invested heavily in high-quality feeds, enhanced communication channels, and advanced graphics packages to make the viewing experience seamless. Today, viewers often cannot tell whether an announcer is on site or in a studio — and many broadcasters continue to use a hybrid model to reduce travel and costs.
For NBC Sports Bay Area, having Krukow in the studio means the network can integrate additional on-screen analysis, highlight packages, and interactive features without missing a beat. Producers have promised that the broadcasts will feel just as lively and insightful as ever.
Fan Reaction and the Future
Reaction from Giants fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Many took to social media to express relief that Krukow is staying on the broadcasts at all, given speculation that he might retire due to health reasons. “Hearing Kruk and Kuip on Giants games is part of my summer,” wrote one fan. “Glad to know we’ll still have them together, even if it’s a little different.” Another fan joked, “Mike can call the games from Mars for all I care, as long as he’s still with Kuip.”
The extension underscores how much the Giants and NBC Sports Bay Area value the duo’s contribution. In an era of streaming options and national telecasts, a trusted local broadcast team helps keep fans connected to their hometown club. It also signals that Kruk and Kuip aren’t done yet — they plan to keep calling the big moments, from rookies’ debuts to playoff runs, for at least another season.
A Legacy That Transcends the Booth
Beyond their calls, Krukow and Kuiper have become ambassadors for the Giants and the Bay Area baseball community. They regularly participate in charity events, fan festivals, and team initiatives. Their longevity and credibility lend weight to the stories they tell and the perspectives they offer. This new deal allows them to extend that influence, mentoring younger broadcasters and preserving a style of local baseball coverage that feels increasingly rare.
As the 2025 season approaches, Giants fans can rest easy knowing the voices they’ve grown up with will still be there — calling the action, sharing a laugh, and bringing the ballpark atmosphere into living rooms across Northern California. Even with some logistical adjustments, the heart of the broadcast remains unchanged: two friends talking baseball and making fans feel like part of the game.
