- SF Giants broadcasters dethroned as top MLB crew in national fan poll.
For nearly three decades, the San Francisco Giants’ broadcasting team of Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow has been considered among the best in Major League Baseball (MLB), earning accolades for their chemistry, in-depth game analysis, and genuine affection for the sport and the Giants. Their style resonates with fans, making them an integral part of the Giants’ identity. However, in 2024, they were dethroned as the top MLB broadcasting crew in a national fan poll conducted by Awful Announcing, marking a notable shift in the baseball media landscape.
The Poll and Its Influence
Awful Announcing conducts annual fan polls to rank the broadcast teams across MLB, with fans grading their local broadcasters on an A-to-F scale. These polls have become a significant barometer for public sentiment about the quality of baseball broadcasting. In past editions, the Giants’ duo, Kuiper and Krukow—affectionately referred to as “Kruk and Kuip”—had dominated the rankings, finishing first in four of the previous seven polls, including 2023.
However, in the 2024 edition, the New York Mets’ broadcasting team, consisting of Gary Cohen, Ron Darling, and Keith Hernandez, narrowly edged out the Giants crew. The Mets’ broadcasters earned a GPA of 3.37, compared to 3.35 for the Giants’ team, based on the fan votes. A significant 68% of voters rated the Mets’ crew with an “A,” while 63% of Giants’ fans gave Kuiper and Krukow the same grade.
Giants Fans’ Loyalty to “Kruk and Kuip”
Despite their second-place finish, Kuiper and Krukow continue to be adored by Giants fans. The pair have been calling games together since 1994 and have established themselves as one of the most recognizable duos in baseball broadcasting. Their partnership is grounded in mutual respect, shared humor, and an unparalleled understanding of the game. Both are former MLB players, with Kuiper having played for the Giants and Cleveland Indians, and Krukow having pitched for the Giants and Chicago Cubs. Their playing experience lends credibility and depth to their commentary, which resonates with fans who appreciate insightful analysis along with light-hearted banter.
One of the hallmarks of Kruk and Kuip’s broadcasting style is their authenticity. They don’t shy away from expressing their emotions during pivotal moments, whether it’s the joy of a game-winning hit or the frustration of a blown lead. Their long-standing connection with the Giants’ organization also allows them to offer unique insider perspectives, giving fans a deeper understanding of the team’s inner workings.
The Rise of the Mets’ Broadcasting Team
The dethroning of Kuiper and Krukow by the Mets’ broadcasting team was somewhat expected given the praise that Gary Cohen, Ron Darling, and Keith Hernandez have garnered in recent years. The trio has developed a similar chemistry that blends humor, expert analysis, and a deep love for the game. Much like Kruk and Kuip, they bring a mix of personal experience to the booth—Darling was a star pitcher for the Mets during their 1986 World Series run, and Hernandez is a former MVP and World Series champion with the team.
The Mets’ broadcasters have gained recognition for their balance of technical analysis and entertaining commentary, which appeals to both hardcore baseball enthusiasts and casual fans. Their work during Mets games on SportsNet New York (SNY) has consistently earned high marks in the Awful Announcing polls, and they had long been seen as the most likely contenders to challenge the Giants’ dominance in the rankings.
A Controversial Campaign?
The competition between the two broadcast teams intensified earlier in 2024 when a minor controversy arose involving New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay. In a radio segment, Kay criticized an advertisement by SNY that labeled the Mets’ broadcasting team as the “best booth in baseball.” Kay, defending the Yankees’ broadcast crew, countered that many people regarded the Giants’ duo of Kuiper and Krukow as the best in the business. He later clarified in an interview that while everyone has their opinions, Kuiper and Krukow were widely seen as the gold standard.
This spat underscored the significance of being recognized as the best broadcasting team in baseball, with each fanbase passionately supporting their local commentators. For years, the Giants’ broadcasters had reigned supreme, but the momentum seemed to be shifting as the Mets’ crew gained more national acclaim.
What the Numbers Say
According to Awful Announcing, the 2024 poll garnered votes from hundreds of fans across the country, with each team’s broadcasters graded on a variety of factors, including knowledge of the game, entertainment value, and overall presentation. Kuiper and Krukow’s final GPA of 3.35 was still an impressive score, indicating that a vast majority of fans continue to rate them highly. However, the Mets’ crew, buoyed by their increased national visibility due to the team’s improved performance on the field and the rising profile of SNY, was able to claim the top spot with a GPA of 3.37.
A Legacy That Endures
Although they have been dethroned in this particular poll, it’s unlikely that this result will tarnish the legacy of Kuiper and Krukow. They remain beloved in the Bay Area, where their voices are synonymous with Giants baseball. Their longevity in the booth is a testament to their skill and connection with the fanbase, and for many, they will always be the definitive broadcast team, regardless of the poll results.
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports media, where broadcast teams are often reshuffled or replaced, the stability of Kruk and Kuip stands out. Their partnership has endured through multiple generations of Giants players and fans, and their appeal spans beyond just their local market. National recognition has come and gone, but their influence on the Giants’ brand and their contribution to the experience of watching baseball in San Francisco are undeniable.
Looking Forward
As the 2024 season progresses and more polls emerge, it will be interesting to see whether the Mets’ broadcasters can maintain their top spot or if Kruk and Kuip will reclaim their throne. For now, Giants fans can take solace in knowing that they are still in the upper echelon of MLB broadcasting, even if they are no longer officially ranked as the best.
Regardless of rankings, the legacy of Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow is cemented in baseball history. For fans tuning in to Giants games, their voices will continue to provide the soundtrack to memorable moments, both triumphant and heartbreaking. In the end, polls may fluctuate, but the bond between “Kruk and Kuip” and the Gia
nts faithful remains as strong as ever.
