Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers share a long history that dates back to both franchises originating in New York, but the rivalry is also one with respect at the root of it.
The latest example came with Rick Monday, Joe Davis and Orel Hershiser recording messages to wish Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow well in retirement.
Krukow announced in August he would be stepping away from the booth at the end of the 2026 season, concluding a 36-year run as a Giants broadcaster with his friend Duane Kuiper. They affectionately have been known for decades as “Kruk and Kuip,” and been on the call together for some of the biggest moments in Giants franchise history.
The Giants will celebrate Krukow’s career during Sunday’s game against the Dodgers at Oracle Park.
Dodgers broadcasters celebrate Mike Krukow
Rick Monday
“Hi, Mike. Rick Monday. A chance to just kind of catch up with you. Time has gone by, 50 years ago we became teammates for a short period of time on the Chicago Cubs. At every turn, my friend, you have been an absolute professional. Whether it be as a player or as a broadcaster. You have entertained all of us. Thousands of people.
“To the Krukow family, thank you. Thank you for sharing Mike with us for all these years. It is truly a pleasure, because every day as you come to the ballpark, whether as a pitcher in the Major Leagues or as a broadcaster, you’ve arrived at that ballpark like a 10 year old in a stadium about to see your first Major League game.
“From all of us, remember, this is not goodbye my friend. This is thank you. God bless.”
Joe Davis
“Mike, man, what a gift you’ve been. What a treat you’ve been for Giants fans, for baseball fans. I know hearing your voice, hearing Kuip’s voice together, we knew we were listening to Giants baseball. We knew we were going to have a good time listening to you.
“And anytime I think about you from a personal level, I think about one of the first times I met ya. I was nervous coming into my first year on the job, and you pulled me aside and said, ‘Hey, you’re here for a reason. Believe in yourself, be yourself. You’re going to do great.’
“And I’m sure you were just passing along one of the many nice comments you did to people that day like you always do. But it’s something I’ve never forgotten, never will forget. It’s not going to be the same without you, man. You’ve been an absolute gift to all of us.”
Orel Hershiser
“Mike, of course, congratulations. And secondly, we are going to miss you. San Francisco baseball people are going to miss you, and all the broadcasters that get to be up there with you in the booth and get to see you during every series, and especially this rivalry that we have.
“But you, as a competitor on the mound, one of the best. Nobody tried harder. And with you as a broadcaster, raising the bar for all of us of what it needs to be as you get into the booth as an ex player. And then as a friend, we don’t see each other as often as we would like.
“But in baseball, as long as the separation is, is as close as we feel when we’re back together. We’re going to miss you. We’re going to miss you a lot, Mike. And especially me. You take care.”
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