Mike Krukow was caught off guard recently when someone congratulated him on an anniversary he didn’t recognize. He first thought it might be related to his 45 years of marriage, but the celebration was actually for the 30-year milestone of his partnership with Duane Kuiper in broadcasting San Francisco Giants games. Reflecting on the time, Krukow admitted it felt like just five years rather than three decades.
The longevity of Krukow and Kuiper’s partnership is notable in the world of sports broadcasting. Only two other major-league broadcasting duos have had longer tenures: Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett with the Dodgers, and Marty Brennaman and Joe Nuxhall with the Reds. Krukow and Kuiper started working together in 1990, but their full-time collaboration began in 1994. Hall of Fame broadcaster Jon Miller confirms their 30 years together is a significant achievement, suggesting they might surpass existing records.
In a Zoom interview from Oracle Park, Krukow and Kuiper shared their journey. Krukow emphasized that their broadcasting success owes much to Corey Busch, a former Giants executive who played a crucial role in bringing them together. Busch’s vision for expanding the team’s TV presence led to Kuiper and Joe Morgan being paired for broadcasts, which was a new venture for them.
Kuiper initially hesitated about broadcasting, only stepping into the role due to Busch’s insistence. He worked as a color commentator before eventually transitioning to a shared play-by-play role with Morgan. This transition was driven by Busch’s desire for authentic baseball conversations rather than formulaic broadcasting.
Krukow, too, was encouraged into broadcasting by Busch after he retired from playing. Although initially hesitant about leaving his family for coaching, Krukow took up the broadcasting opportunity and found it suited his schedule better. Busch’s insight into both Krukow and Kuiper’s capabilities helped shape their successful partnership.
Their on-air chemistry, honed through years of practice and shared experiences, is evident in their broadcasts. They began creating their own humorous and engaging “fake” broadcasts in the dugout, which entertained their teammates and showcased their natural rapport. This dynamic has remained a hallmark of their work, even as they adapt to new challenges like broadcasting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
