Long-time San Francisco Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow announced his retirement Thursday, saying the 2026 Major League Baseball season will be his last.
The 36-year broadcast veteran issued a brief statement through the team, thanking fans on behalf of himself and his wife, saying his time in baseball has been a gift.
“Jennifer and I have been so blessed to be able to stay in the game for as long as we have and it’s really made it impossible to feel sorry for myself that my career is coming to an end,” Krukow said.
The 74-year-old got his start as an MLB player in 1973 after being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the eighth round out of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
The right-handed pitcher was called up to the big leagues in 1976 and spent 14 years as a professional player, during which time he won 124 games, lost 117 and posted a career 3.90 ERA.
In addition to the Cubs, Krukow played with the Philadelphia Phillies and, famously, with the Giants, where he met his broadcast partner of many years, Duane Kuiper, who is expected to remain in the booth following his friend’s departure.
“We are bracing for the emotional hits we know we are going to feel in the next few weeks,” Krukow said Thursday. “Jennifer and I are wondering if it is even possible to let everyone know how deeply we love and respect our Giants family.”
Loved by fans and respected by broadcasters and players, Krukow has been the team’s “spiritual leader” for years, according to Giants president Larry Baer.
“He has taught generations of fans about baseball … with incredible insight, unmistakable humor and genuine heart,” Baer said.
“With his beloved and inseparable partner Duane Kuiper, he has taught generations of fans about baseball, brought us inside it from the perspective of a Major League pitcher and called every game with incredible insight, unmistakable humor and genuine heart,” Baer said.
Krukow’s baseball analysis was steeped in decades of insider knowledge about the game, particularly about the intricacies of MLB pitching, and his color commentary was often interspersed with familiar catchphrases like “atta babe” for when someone did something admirable on the field or off, or “grab some pine, meat,” when an opposing player struck out.
Perhaps it wasn’t a huge shock that “Kruk,” as he has been known to fans since his playing days, is calling it quits after nearly four decades in the game given his well-publicized health struggles.
More than 10 years ago, he was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis, a rare degenerative muscle disease that has made it difficult for him to walk, and he hasn’t traveled with the team in years.
Baer said the Giants will celebrate Krukow’s career with fans at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 27, when they play their archrivals the Los Angeles Dodgers in the last game of the regular season.
“In these final two months of the season, remember to take the time to turn on your television and just watch and listen to the most dynamic TV broadcast partners — Kruk and Kuip,” Baer said.
After Krukow’s announcement Thursday, social media was flooded with well-wishes from fans, baseball insiders and fellow broadcasters.
ESPN’s Buster Olney had a message for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
“Time for the Hall of Fame to evolve and induct Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper together,” Olney posted. “C’mon. Take a page from the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame and honor one of the best shows in MLB history.”
A’s broadcaster Dallas Braden, himself a former MLB starting pitcher, said he’s looking forward to the day when Krukow is welcomed to the Hall of Fame and signaled him out as a kind and generous colleague.
“My favorite part about going to their ballpark was going into the booth early & talking pitching, baseball & life in general,” Braden posted. “As a future HOFer it would’ve been very easy for him to dismiss a young broadcaster with just a wave & a smile. Instead he welcomed me in & made it a point for us to ‘break it down.’”
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