Duane Kuiper’s Voice of Giants Legacy Earns Ford C. Frick Award Nomination
SAN FRANCISCO — For nearly four decades, the voice of Duane Kuiper has been woven into the very fabric of Giants baseball. His unmistakable cadence, his warmth behind the microphone, and his ability to connect the rhythms of the game with the heartbeat of San Francisco have made him more than a broadcaster. He has become family.
On Thursday, Kuiper’s contributions were formally recognized as he was named one of the nominees for the 2026 Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually by the National Baseball Hall of Fame to honor excellence in broadcasting. The nomination serves as a celebration of Kuiper’s career, one that has bridged generations and elevated the Giants’ story for millions of fans.
“Duane is not just a broadcaster,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “He’s part of what makes this franchise special. His passion, his humor, and his love for the game are what fans feel every single night.”
Kuiper, 74, has been behind the microphone for the Giants since 1986, alongside longtime partner Mike Krukow. Together, “Kruk and Kuip” have become one of the most beloved duos in the sport, blending sharp analysis with genuine joy and a touch of humor that never loses sight of the game’s humanity. Their broadcasts are less a commentary and more a conversation shared with friends.
The Ford C. Frick Award is among the most prestigious honors in baseball broadcasting. Previous recipients include legends like Vin Scully, Jack Buck, and Jon Miller. For Kuiper, even a nomination puts his name in that rarefied company.
“I’ve always considered it a privilege to call Giants games,” Kuiper said. “The fans have welcomed me into their homes for so many years. To even be mentioned in the same breath as some of the greats of this industry is incredibly humbling.”
Kuiper’s journey to this point reflects both longevity and perseverance. A former major league second baseman, he played 12 seasons with the Cleveland Indians and Giants before moving into broadcasting. While his playing career included just one home run, his broadcasting career has produced countless unforgettable calls: Barry Bonds’ 756th home run, Matt Cain’s perfect game, and the Giants’ World Series triumphs in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
“He’s the soundtrack of our baseball lives,” said Giants broadcaster Dave Flemming. “You can’t think of this team without hearing Kuip’s voice in your head.”
The nomination also resonates with the fan base, many of whom grew up with Kuiper’s calls serving as the backdrop to summer nights. Social media lit up with congratulations, with fans calling him “a Bay Area treasure” and “the voice of a lifetime.”
The Hall of Fame will announce the 2026 Ford C. Frick Award winner at the Winter Meetings in December. Whether Kuiper is chosen or not, his nomination is a moment of recognition for a career defined not by statistics or highlight reels but by the steady grace of storytelling.
For San Francisco, the call of “Outta here!” may live forever, no matter what happens in Cooperstown.
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