SF Giants Broadcaster Duane Kuiper Misses Out on Frick Award Again

The San Francisco Giants’ longtime broadcaster, Duane Kuiper, once again fell short of winning the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award, which honors distinguished broadcasters for their significant contributions to baseball. The announcement came during the annual MLB Winter Meetings held in Orlando, Florida, where the Giants continue to look for ways to address their roster needs.

This year’s Frick Award went to Joe Buck, a notable figure in sports broadcasting whose father, Jack Buck, won the same award in 1987. Other finalists included Brian Anderson, Skip Caray, Rene Cardenas, Gary Cohen, Jacques Doucet, John Rooney, Dan Shulman, and John Sterling, highlighting the competitive nature of the award.

Kuiper’s selection would have added to a week of achievements for the Giants, which saw Jeff Kent elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Kent’s induction is anticipated to resonate with fans, particularly as he is expected to enter Cooperstown as a Giant. The organization also celebrated Matt Chisholm, who received the 2025 Robert O. Fishel Award for excellence in public relations. Additionally, clubhouse managers Brad Grems and Gavin Cuddie were recognized as the Clubhouse Managers of the Year, while Karen Sweeney won the Katy Feeney Leadership Award, which honors exceptional female employees in baseball.

The Giants also secured the fourth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft following a favorable result in the draft lottery. This achievement further emphasizes the organization’s positive trajectory, even as they navigate challenges in player acquisitions.

The Frick Award results were announced on Wednesday morning, and although Mike Krukow, Kuiper’s longtime broadcasting partner, was not a finalist this year, he has been recognized in the past. In a statement reflecting on Kuiper’s contributions, Buster Posey, president of baseball operations, expressed his admiration: “He’s synonymous with Giants baseball. When you have a voice and a storyteller like Kuiper and Krukow, it allows you that ability to still take in the game and enjoy it.”

At 75 years old, Kuiper has been a fixture in the Giants’ broadcast booth since 1986, following a successful 12-year playing career, four of which were spent with the Giants. Despite not having many opportunities to listen to Kuiper and Krukow during his playing days, Posey praised their ability to provide insightful commentary without disparaging players. “That’s not an easy thing to do because sometimes we stink and you want to beat us up,” he noted, acknowledging their skill in balancing criticism with respect.

As the Giants look ahead, the absence of Kuiper from this year’s Frick Award winners does not overshadow the numerous accolades the organization has recently achieved. The focus remains on building a competitive team as they prepare for the upcoming season.