The Major League Baseball season is long. Committing at least two and a half hours per game for a 162-game season can feel like a drag at times for fans, so finding sources of entertainment other than the game itself can keep people engaged.
An engaging and lively broadcaster is a must when watching the many games throughout a long season. The Philadelphia Phillies are fortunate to have Tom McCarthy as the television play-by-play commentator, but his counterpart during many broadcasts often steals the show.
Phillies fans are getting four more years of John Kruk
John Kruk has become a beloved figure in the City of Brotherly Love. Not only did he play for the Phillies for six years, making the All-Star Game three times and helping them reach the World Series in 1993, but Kruk won over the fans’ hearts when he joined NBC Sports Philadelphia’s broadcasting crew alongside McCarthy.
Kruk is a color commentator, providing insightful baseball information, but he’s known for his unconventional approach. He’s entertaining and has as close to a no-filter attitude as humanly possible for a television broadcaster.
Phillies fans will get to listen to Kruk call many more games for their favorite team. Kruk signed a four-year contract with NBC Sports Philadelphia over the winter and hopes to continue his role beyond that, per Jake Kring-Schreifels of Philadelphia magazine.
Whether he’s telling stories from his past such as playing an exhibition game against a prison team in the ‘80s or speaking honestly about a player, team or how a game is being played out, Kruk keeps the audience entertained. McCarthy doesn’t even know what words to expect to come out of Kruk’s mouth when calling a game with him.
Kruk’s love for the Phillies is unmatched. The 64-year-old praises the organization any chance he gets, and his passion for seeing the team succeed is like that of a diehard fan. Kruk was like everyone else when he famously exclaimed “Oh my God!” after Bryce Harper’s walk-off grand slam on Aug. 15, 2019, against the Chicago Cubs in a game they trailed 5-1 entering the ninth inning.
