‘What he told us last week makes it unbelievable to hear he’s dead…’ Kruk and Kuip Pay Tribute, Revealing Their Last Conversation with Fernando Valenzuela
In a heartfelt and emotional tribute, legendary broadcasters Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper, affectionately known as “Kruk and Kuip,” shared their disbelief and sorrow over the sudden passing of baseball icon Fernando Valenzuela. The duo, who had recently spoken with the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, reflected on their final conversation with him, revealing the surreal nature of his unexpected death.
“What he told us last week makes it unbelievable to hear he’s dead,” Kuiper said during a broadcast, his voice tinged with sadness. Valenzuela, known for his humble demeanor and unshakable love for the game, had spoken passionately about his future plans, his family, and his ongoing connection to baseball during that final chat. Krukow added, “He seemed full of life, like he had so much more he wanted to do. We were looking forward to seeing him again, and now… it just doesn’t seem real.”
The conversation between the three had touched on both personal and professional matters, with Valenzuela sharing stories about his time with the Dodgers, his plans to mentor young pitchers, and his upcoming projects within the baseball community. Valenzuela’s optimism and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on Kruk and Kuip, making the news of his passing all the more difficult to comprehend.
For the broadcasting duo, Valenzuela was more than just a baseball legend; he was a friend and a symbol of resilience. Krukow reflected on Valenzuela’s influence on the game, particularly his ability to inspire a generation of fans and players alike. “He wasn’t just an incredible pitcher, he was a force,” Krukow said. “He changed the way people looked at the game, and he brought so many new fans into the sport.”
The tribute ended with Kruk and Kuip sending their condolences to Valenzuela’s family and fans around the world, acknowledging the enormous loss to the baseball community. “We were lucky to know him,” Kuiper said in closing. “He was one of the greats, both on and off the field, and he’ll be missed deeply.”
