The Ultimate Glossary of Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper’s Greatest Sayings
Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper, the legendary broadcasting duo for the San Francisco Giants, are more than just commentators—they’re a part of the game-day experience. Their banter, wit, and unique language have captivated fans for years. As former players, their insights add depth to their commentary, but it’s their quirky sayings that have truly endeared them to the Giants’ faithful. Here’s the ultimate glossary of some of their greatest sayings:
1. “Grab some pine, meat!”
– Meaning : A signature Krukow line directed at a batter who has just struck out. “Meat” is a playful nickname for opposing players, and “grab some pine” refers to the player sitting down on the dugout bench.
– Context : Used when a Giants’ pitcher gets a key strikeout, especially in crucial moments.
2. “He’s a gamer.”
– Meaning : This term is reserved for players who show toughness, grit, and determination—those who consistently give their all.
– Context : Often said about Giants players like Buster Posey or Brandon Crawford, it’s a term of respect for players who play hard regardless of the circumstances.
3. “Right on the screws!”
– Meaning : When a batter hits the ball squarely, with power, and directly on the sweet spot of the bat.
– Context : After a hard-hit ball, whether it ends up being a hit or a loud out, Kruk or Kuip will drop this line to emphasize the quality of the contact.
4. “Got him!”
– Meaning : A quick and emphatic call made when a pitcher throws a perfect strike to retire a batter.
– Context : This phrase is most frequently used when a Giants pitcher gets a big strikeout in a tense situation.
5. “Just another haaaanging breaking ball.”
– Meaning: Refers to a pitch that doesn’t break the way it’s supposed to, making it easy for a batter to hit. The word “haaaanging” is drawn out for effect, indicating how badly the pitch was executed.
– Context: Usually after a home run or a big hit off a poorly thrown breaking pitch.
6. “You gotta like that!”
– Meaning: An exclamation used when something exciting or pleasing happens for the Giants, whether it’s a clutch hit, a big defensive play, or a pitcher making the right pitch in a tough situation.
– Context: It’s a feel-good line, often deployed after a moment that swings momentum in the Giants’ favor.
7. “A little squibber!”
– Meaning: Describes a softly hit ball that barely dribbles out into the infield, often leaving fielders scrambling to make a play.
– Context: Said with a hint of amusement when a weakly hit ball manages to cause chaos on the field.
8. “Humm Baby!”
– Meaning: Originally coined by former Giants manager Roger Craig, this phrase has been adopted by Kruk and Kuip to describe a player or moment that’s particularly exciting.
– Context: It’s most often used when something exceptional happens, like a home run, an outstanding defensive play, or a game-changing moment.
9. “Dugout dirtbag!”
– Meaning: A term of endearment for players who hustle, get dirty, and do whatever it takes to help the team win. It’s a compliment, highlighting a player’s gritty play.
– Context : Often said after a player makes a diving stop or hustles to take an extra base.
10. “He’s got some funk in his delivery.”
– Meaning : Refers to a pitcher with an unorthodox or deceptive pitching motion, making it harder for batters to pick up the ball.
– Context : Krukow, being a former pitcher, loves to point out the nuances of pitching, and this phrase captures the essence of those pitchers who are tough to hit, despite maybe not having the best stuff.
11. “It’s up there, it’s out there, and… adios, pelota!”
– Meaning : A classic home run call, especially from Kuiper, this phrase celebrates a long ball hit over the fence.
– Context : As the ball leaves the park, Kuiper lets it fly with this famous line, much to the joy of Giants fans.
12. “The frozen rope.”
– Meaning : A term used to describe a hard, line-drive hit that travels straight and fast, almost as if it’s tied to a rope.
– Context : Krukow or Kuiper will break this out after a laser-like hit that doesn’t get much elevation but travels with speed.
13. Torture!
– Meaning : This word, used frequently during the Giants’ championship runs, refers to the nail-biting, nerve-wracking nature of close games, particularly when the Giants make things harder on themselves.
– Context : Used in both frustration and admiration when the Giants narrowly escape tough situations to win games.
14. “High and deep…”
– Meaning : The beginning of Kuiper’s iconic home run call. He drags out “deep” to build anticipation, especially when it’s a crucial home run.
– Context : Heard when a Giants player hits a towering fly ball with a good chance of leaving the park.
15. He’ll have to go all the way to the wall!
– Meaning : Said when an outfielder chases down a well-hit ball that’s heading toward the outfield fence, indicating the difficulty of making the play.
– Context : Often used during doubles or triples, this phrase highlights the impressive nature of deep, gap hits.
16. He’s in the rocking chair.
– Meaning : Refers to a pitcher who’s in complete control of the game, mixing up pitches with ease and keeping batters off balance.
– Context : Krukow might say this when a Giants pitcher is dominating, often in a rhythm, and comfortably cruising through the lineup.
17. A can of corn.
– Meaning : An easy catch for an outfielder, usually a high, routine fly ball.
– Context : This is a classic baseball term that both Krukow and Kuiper like to use for simple, stress-free flyouts.
The beauty of Krukow and Kuiper’s commentary is in the way they make the game both informative and fun. Their sayings, filled with humor, insight, and a love for the game, are now an essential part of Giants baseball. Fans have come to cherish these phrases, and they add a unique layer of entertainment that goes beyond just play-by-play analysis. Whether you’re a seasoned Giants fan or new to their broadcast, learning this glossary is essential to fully appreciating the dynamic duo of Kruk and Kuip.
