Duane Kuiper Diagnosed with Throat Cancer, On-Air Partner Mike Krukow Nears Retirement
The veteran San Francisco Giants announcer revealed his diagnosis on Sunday, coinciding with his long-time broadcast partner's planned retirement later this month.
San Francisco Giants announcer Duane Kuiper, 76, announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with throat cancer. The diagnosis is unrelated to a previous bout with cancer that Kuiper underwent chemotherapy for in 2021, he stated.
Kuiper plans to miss broadcasts on Sunday and Wednesday as he continues treatment but hopes to return to the booth soon. His immediate focus is on celebrating his broadcast partner of 36 years, Mike Krukow, who is scheduled to retire on September 27. Kuiper expressed optimism about his treatment, thanking his medical team at Stanford Medicine, his family, the Giants organization, and his broadcast partners for their support.
Krukow, 74, is retiring after a career that included seven seasons as a pitcher with the San Francisco Giants, where he was a National League All-Star in 1986. He has been managing a rare degenerative muscle disease for two decades, which has impacted his mobility and travel.
Giants President and CEO Larry Baer acknowledged Krukow's impending retirement in a statement last month, calling it an emotional moment for the organization and expressing gratitude for Krukow's contributions.
Kuiper, a former MLB infielder, concluded his playing career with the Giants after eight seasons with the Cleveland Indians. The news of Kuiper's diagnosis comes as San Francisco 49ers announcer Greg Papa is awaiting a heart transplant.