During a recent San Francisco Giants broadcast celebrating their victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, sportscaster Mike Krukow unexpectedly took a moment to advocate for the induction of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela into the Hall of Fame. This conversation arose during a segment showcasing statistical highlights from the historic rivalry between the two teams, specifically focusing on pitchers with the lowest home ERA since both franchises relocated to California in 1958.
The broadcast featured a graphic listing the top five pitchers in this category, with Krukow himself claiming the top spot with an impressive 1.94 ERA against the Dodgers, backed by his notable performance of 6-2 record and 71 strikeouts in 78.2 innings pitched. This included a standout year in 1986 when Krukow made the All-Star Game after winning a career-high 20 games.
While his broadcasting partner Duane Kuiper congratulated him on his achievement, Krukow humbly shifted the spotlight to Valenzuela, stating, “I hope Fernando Valenzuela gets in the Hall of Fame someday.” Valenzuela, a pivotal figure during the 1980s who earned both Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in 1981, is remembered for his monumental impact on baseball, especially during the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania,” which brought a new wave of fans to the sport.
Krukow’s respectful acknowledgment of his former rival demonstrates his character and sportsmanship, traits that have endeared him to Giants fans over the years. This interaction not only highlights Krukow’s achievements but also underscores the respect shared among players across team lines, especially for those who have made significant contributions to the game.