Beloved San Francisco Giants announcer and former MLB infielder Duane Kuiper has been diagnosed with throat cancer, the 76-year-old revealed Sunday.
He previously missed most of the 2021 season while undergoing chemotherapy for a previous bout with cancer that Kuiper says is unrelated to his latest diagnosis.
In his statement, Kuiper expressed optimism for his treatment.
For now, he plans to miss broadcasts on Sunday and Wednesday, but hopes to be back soon after to team with his on-air partner, Mike Krukow, who is set to retire on Sunday, September 27. The two have worked together for 36 years.
‘I was recently diagnosed with throat cancer and began treatment last week with my doctors at Stanford Medicine,’ read Kuiper’s statement. ‘This cancer is unrelated to the one l experienced five years ago, and I’m optimistic that it will be successfully treated.
‘l’ll miss the broadcasts tomorrow and Wednesday as I continue treatment, but I’m looking forward to returning Tuesday and this weekend to celebrate my partner, Mike Krukow, and his remarkable career as he calls his final game before retirement.
Beloved San Francisco Giants announcer and former MLB infielder Duane Kuiper has been diagnosed with throat cancer, the 76-year-old revealed Sunday
Tony Vitello #23, Mike Krukow, Duane Kuiper and Ron Wotus of the San Francisco Giants prepare for the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park on August 27
Giants infielder Duane Kuiper outside Candlestick with his new Mercedes 380 SL in 1982
‘I’m incredibly grateful for the care I’m receiving and for the tremendous support, from my family, the Giants organization, my broadcast partners and so many others.’
Kuiper’s announcement comes as San Francisco 49ers announcer Greg Papa is awaiting a heart transplant.
Meanwhile, the 74-year-old Krukow continues to battle a rare degenerative muscle disease that has slowed him for two decades while limiting his travel.
‘While we knew this day would eventually come, Mike Krukow stepping away from the broadcast booth is a deeply emotional moment for our Giants family,’ Giants President and CEO Larry Baer said in a statement last month.
‘On behalf of our extended Giants family, I want to express our profound gratitude for everything Kruk has given – not only to this franchise, but to each of us personally. For decades, he has shared far more than his voice. He has been our spiritual leader.’
A right-handed pitcher, Krukow was 124-117 over 14 MLB seasons, the last seven of which came in San Francisco. He was also named to the National League All-Star team in 1986 en route to a career-best 20 wins.
Kuiper, a native of Racine, also finished his playing career with the Giants after the spending eight seasons with the Cleveland Indians.
