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Legendary SF Giants announcer Mike Krukow to retire at season’s end

Mike Krukow will retire after the 2026 season, ending a legendary 36-year Giants broadcasting career alongside longtime partner Duane Kuiper.

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Mike Krukow’s legendary run behind the microphone is coming to an end.

The San Francisco Giants announced Thursday morning that Krukow will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 season, ending a remarkable 36-year broadcasting career that helped define baseball for generations of fans across Northern California.

While this marks the end of his days calling games, it won’t be a complete farewell. Krukow hopes to remain involved with the organization in another capacity following the 2026 season.

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The decision comes after a long battle with inclusion body myositis, a degenerative muscle disease Mike Krukow has fought for the past 20 years. Although his unmistakable voice and sharp baseball insight never diminished, the physical demands of the job eventually became too much.

“I don’t want to quit,” Krukow told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic.

“Unfortunately, the rules change, first from year to year and then month to month, and now it’s day to day. It’s becoming unsafe. My home in Reno is much safer, and it really is the determining factor in how I can’t do games anymore.”

In a statement released by the Giants, Mike Krukow reflected on the overwhelming support he has received throughout his career.

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“I just want to let everyone know that I will be retiring at the end of the season. I want to take this time to thank you for your incredible support. Jennifer and I have been so blessed to be able to stay in the game for as long as we have… We are wondering if it is even possible to let everyone know how deeply we love and respect our Giants family.

“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.”

Krukow first revealed his diagnosis in 2014, just months before calling the Giants’ third World Series championship in five seasons. As the disease progressed, he transitioned to calling road games remotely from NBC Sports Bay Area’s studio while longtime broadcast partner Duane Kuiper remained on site. At Oracle Park, customized mobility equipment allowed him to continue doing what he loved.

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Krukow and Kuiper’s friendship stretches back more than four decades. They first became teammates after Krukow was traded to San Francisco in 1983, joining Kuiper, who had arrived the previous year.

Their chemistry carried seamlessly from the clubhouse to the broadcast booth, where “Kruk and Kuip” became one of baseball’s most beloved announcing duos.

A former All-Star pitcher who won 124 major league games, Mike Krukow built a second Hall of Fame-worthy legacy behind the microphone.

For countless Giants fans, his voice became synonymous with summer evenings, unforgettable moments, and the joy of baseball. While his final broadcast is approaching, his impact on the franchise will resonate long after he signs off.

More MLB content from Sactown Sports

Upcoming San Francisco Giants 2026 Schedule

  • Monday, August 3rd – Wednesday, August 5th – @ Texas Rangers
  • Friday, August 7th – Sunday, August 9th – vs. Detroit Tigers
  • Monday, August 10th – Wednesday, August 12th – vs. Houston Astros
  • Friday, August 14th – Sunday, August 16th – vs. Colorado Rockies

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Frankie Cartoscelli Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Author Name: Franklin Cartoscelli Bio: Franklin 'Frankie' Cartoscelli is Sactown Sports 1140's Lead Editor, Sacramento Kings beat writer and co-host of the Return of the Roar podcast. Professional Background: Worked in professional sports… Read more

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