Meet the 2020 Award Winners: California Sportscaster Duane Kuiper

This award spotlight is on NSMA 2020 California Sportscaster of the Year, Duane Kuiper, a first time NSMA winner! Duane is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, as well as a seven-time Emmy award-winning radio and television sportscaster for the San Francisco Giants. Along with former major league pitcher Mike Krukow, Kuiper forms the broadcast duo known as "Kruk and Kuip".

Duane was interviewed by NSMA intern Sahil Dhawan on his career and the industry as a whole.

NSMA: What's it like covering a sport that you played professionally?

Duane: The beauty of baseball is that it does change but the core doesn't. Things go in circles but theirs still six outs in every inning. I always felt like having played, made my job as a broadcaster easier.

NSMA: What was your career path like on your way to your current position?

Duane : Well I was really lucky. When I was in Cleveland, I had a friend who wanted to do a radio show. I was hesitant but eventually committed to it. I progressed from there and found myself taking over for Joe Morgan's show where he interviewed players before the game. I eventually found myself doing color and stayed.

NSMA: What's your favorite part of the job?

Duane: Going to the ballpark. Since I got to the big leagues in 1974, I've gone to a major league park, for all 162 games. My favorite 3 hours, are what I do from 4-7 PM before games. Talking to players, managers and fellow broadcasters.

NSMA: What has been the highlight of your broadcasting career?

Duane: The years the Giants went to the playoffs and won it all. Me and my partner are lucky enough to cover the playoff games on radio once the regular season ends. Also, Matt Cain's perfect game and the homerun's that Barry Bonds hit.

You may watch the entire interview here:

Written by NSMA Intern,

Sahil Dhawan