Duane Kuiper Misses Out on Ford C. Frick Award Again at MLB Winter Meetings

Duane Kuiper, the esteemed broadcaster for the San Francisco Giants, has once again missed the opportunity to receive the Ford C. Frick Award, which honors major contributions to baseball broadcasting. The announcement came during the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida, where the 2026 award was presented to Joe Buck, marking another disappointment for Kuiper, who has long been a beloved figure in the sport.

Despite this setback, the Giants have celebrated several significant achievements this week. Among these, former player Jeff Kent was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and is expected to enter Cooperstown as a Giant. Additionally, the team secured the fourth overall pick in the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft thanks to favorable results in the draft lottery.

Recognition for Excellence in Broadcasting

The other finalists for the Ford C. Frick Award included notable names such as Brian Anderson, Skip Caray, and Gary Cohen. Kuiper, who has been a fixture in the Giants’ broadcast booth since 1986, has consistently been recognized for his work, yet this year’s outcome was disappointing for many fans and colleagues who consider him deserving of the honor.

Giants’ Vice President of Media Relations, Matt Chisholm, received the 2025 Robert O. Fishel Award for public relations excellence, while the club’s clubhouse managers, Brad Grems and Gavin Cuddie, were awarded the Clubhouse Manager of the Year Award. Additionally, Karen Sweeney, who has been with the organization since 1989, earned the Katy Feeney Leadership Award for her exceptional contributions as a female employee in baseball.

Voices of the Giants

In reflecting on Kuiper’s impact, Buster Posey, the Giants’ president of baseball operations, expressed his admiration for both Kuiper and fellow broadcaster Mike Krukow. “He’s become a friend over the years,” Posey stated. “He’s synonymous with Giants baseball… When you have a voice and a storyteller like Kuiper and Krukow, it allows you to still take in the game and get enjoyment just from their relationship.”

Kuiper, 75, played in the major leagues for twelve seasons, four of which were with the Giants. He has built a reputation not only for his broadcasting skills but also for his ability to discuss the game without disparaging players. Posey noted that the duo has a remarkable talent for providing insightful commentary, stating, “That’s not an easy thing to do because sometimes we stink and you want to beat us up.”

While Kuiper may not have received the recognition he sought this year, his contributions to baseball and the Giants remain deeply appreciated by fans and colleagues alike. As the organization continues to navigate its needs during the Winter Meetings, the legacy of Kuiper’s storytelling and connection to the game endures.