San Francisco Giants announcers Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper — affectionately known as “Kruk & Kuip” — turned their signature wit and warmth into a full-on comedy showcase during a special SF Sketchfest tribute this weekend, offering fans a rare peek into the hilarious and heartfelt world behind the broadcast booth…

Kruk & Kuip Take the Stage: Giants’ Beloved Broadcasters Deliver Laughter and Love at SF Sketchfest Tribute

San Francisco Giants announcers Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper—endearingly known as “Kruk & Kuip”—traded their usual spot in the broadcast booth for a stage spotlight this weekend, delivering a raucous, heartfelt, and unforgettable night at SF Sketchfest. The tribute event, held at the Castro Theatre, drew a sold-out crowd of baseball fans, comedy lovers, and curious first-timers eager to witness the dynamic duo in a whole new light.

And in true Kruk & Kuip fashion, the night didn’t disappoint.

“Usually, we let the players be the entertainment,” Kuiper quipped as he took the stage, greeted by thunderous applause. “But tonight, we figured it was our turn to hit cleanup.”

A Booth Turned Comedy Club

Billed as a “Sketchfest Salute to Kruk & Kuip,” the evening was part retrospective, part roast, and all celebration. Hosted by comedian and lifelong Giants fan Sammy Obeid, the show mixed behind-the-scenes stories, audience Q&A, and surprise appearances from Bay Area sports figures and local comics. The result was a warm and wickedly funny look into the minds of two men who have been the soundtrack of San Francisco summers for more than 30 years.

“Let’s just say we didn’t prep a tight five,” Krukow joked. “We prepped a loose 50. And some of it’s even safe for TV.”

The duo’s natural comedic chemistry—honed over decades of live broadcasts—translated effortlessly to the stage. With Krukow playing the exuberant storyteller and Kuiper the deadpan straight man, they riffed on everything from bus rides with Barry Bonds to hot dog malfunctions in the press box.

One highlight came when Krukow recalled the time Kuiper accidentally called a foul ball “foul” four times in a row on air. Kuiper deadpanned, “Well, it was very foul. I stand by it.”

Baseball, Brotherhood, and Belly Laughs

While the night was filled with laughter, it was also steeped in genuine emotion. Between punchlines, Kruk & Kuip spoke earnestly about their friendship, careers, and the unique bond they’ve built with the Bay Area community.

“There’s no Kruk without Kuip,” Krukow said. “He’s the calm to my chaos. I start a story, he finishes it. I make a mess, he edits it. And somehow, people still tune in.”

The crowd roared in appreciation, many of them wearing orange-and-black jerseys and waving miniature rally towels handed out at the door.

The pair spoke about the early days of their broadcasting careers, back when baseball commentary was more formal and less forgiving.

“We didn’t have a blueprint,” Kuiper said. “We just tried to be ourselves—and that meant a lot of sarcasm, some bad impressions, and calling a good game in between.”

Krukow nodded. “Basically, we made it up as we went. And the Giants never stopped us. Which is either great trust or bad oversight.”

Surprise Guests and Heartfelt Moments

The evening also included several surprise appearances from current and former Giants players, including Brandon Crawford and Jeremy Affeldt, both of whom shared heartfelt—and hilarious—tales about Kruk & Kuip’s influence on clubhouse culture.

“They weren’t just broadcasters,” Affeldt said via a surprise video call. “They were part of the team. Their booth was like a second dugout.”

Local comedian Irene Tu took the stage to perform a short set inspired by growing up listening to Giants games with her grandfather. “Kruk & Kuip were the soundtrack of my childhood,” she said. “I didn’t know what a changeup was, but I knew if Kruk laughed, it was something good.”

The most emotional moment of the night came during a video montage featuring decades of classic broadcast clips, culminating in a standing ovation that brought both announcers to tears.

Kuiper, never one for public emotion, simply said: “You’ve all been with us every step of the way. This… this is what it’s all about.”

A New Chapter in a Legendary Story

The Sketchfest tribute wasn’t just a celebration of two broadcasters—it was a love letter to baseball, to San Francisco, and to the thousands of quiet, joyful moments fans have shared with Kruk & Kuip over the years.

In a post-show interview, Krukow admitted that the experience had him thinking about legacy.

“This isn’t just a job,” he said. “It’s our life. It’s our story. And the fact that we got to share it tonight, with all these people who’ve been with us for so long—it means the world.”

As for Kuiper?

“I just hope we don’t get heckled at the next game for our timing,” he said. “Because tonight, we were a little too good.”

With that, the duo waved goodbye to a roaring Castro Theatre, reminding everyone why they are, and always will be, the voice and heart of Giants baseball.

Kruk & Kuip: the only comedy act where the punchline is always, “It. Is. Outta here.”