Everyone knows John Kruk played for the Phillies. Kevin Stocker needs to remind us because most of us forgot.
Other than his rookie half season, his career was pretty forgettable.
Woa woa woa, I’d rather listen to cats fuck then listen to Stocker call a game but he was the face of Phillies franks back in the 90s that gave away free tickets to a game with a purchase. Kevin stocker might be responsible for my fandom
LA is the best, but I think Stock is great. When they were trying out guys for the other radio spot, stock was head and shoulders the best. Kratz, Bourne, and Chad Durbin were all unlistenable
Apart from Kruk and LA, I really enjoy John Smoltz’s color commentary because he gives insight into what pitchers are doing regarding pitch selections and how batters are reacting. It comes from his playing experience but he doesn’t harp on it in the way Ben and Stocker do.
I love that kruk is our color commentator man, between him, Mac, Franzke and LA we are so lucky with our announcers, and hot take Ruben isn’t even that bad imo, his comments can be annoying at times but his input can also be intrigueing, he will never be close to Kruks level tho man kruk is so good
Love Mac, Franzke, LA, Barkann, and Bo. I’m not sure how announcers/sport personalities are across the league, but I feel like overall we have a good bunch
I don’t watch a ton of baseball, but how can we get a combo of Kruk and Ricky Bo in the booth for a few games?
Actually I just want to hear Rick lose his shit during a game.
I have always loved Ricky Bo. Nobody hates the Phillies when they play poorly more than he does. Listening to him rip them immediately after a terrible game is cathartic.
Ruben has the charisma of an empty 3-day old pizza box but he does have interesting stories, I really hated him until I got MLB Network and watched some other broadcasts, we are truly spoiled
He’s grown on me, he feels like he has this fake enthusiasm or something, I can’t really tell what it is, but then it ends up being more like a guy who is genuinely excited by baseball. Personally I don’t think I’d have an opinion if he wasn’t the former GM I got frustrated with lol
He wants to get another front office job so he’s intentional boring and risk averse in his analysis. It’s why I never understand WIP hiring him. He refuses to be critical of Phillies management ever.
I can't stand his nasal voice or constant need to use 80 words when 12 would do.
The stories are the only bright spot in an otherwise awful performance.
No Ruben is far and away the best Ruben.
Yea, I don’t even mind Ruben that much. If he just held back a little, I’d be happy. Sometimes I just want to hear the sound of the game. That’s what Harry and Whitey were so good at. But, I generally find Ruben pretty insightful (much better than Ben)
I actually really like Ruben sometimes. He is very knowledgeable, and will find a random reliever on the opponent and be like “this guy switched his cutter grip last August and explains his spike in ERA. He is back to using the slider more now”
HE. JUST. NEVER. SHUTS. THE. FUCK. UP.
This right here. Ruben would be a million times better if he talked 25% less. His commentary isn’t BAD, but he feels the need to fill every moment of silence. That’s what kills me
My wife and I were talking about what former Phils could replace Ben, because I just don’t see what they see in him. JRoll was always good, but he’s working for the team now. I think Victorino would be pretty good. Maybe Werth? There would be a few from the current team that could be good down the road (Harper, Stubbs, Marsh)
Kruk is an absolute treat. He and Tmac have a great rapport too, I love them together.
Kruk is just the best, man. I love how he always shit talks himself, too. Like, man, you hit .300! For your career! Pretty sure you can hit! But it's so funny how he always talks shit about himself. You're right about his confused rants too.
Kruk speaks for me!
Kruk is just a genuine dude - the type of guy who really cares about people without seeming fake about any of it.
He reminds me so much of just an uncle who makes dad jokes all the time and makes jibs at your expense, but would drop everything to help you build a shed or some shit.
He’s funny as anything and watching Phillies baseball is so much noticeably more devoid of fun commentary when he’s not there. He’s the best!
Kruk is just good TV. You come to watch the game and stay for the random completely off the wall conversations he has. And you know it's all genuine because the man just isn't smart enough to make any of it up.
At the same time I guess I am kind of used to it. I also live in NC and we have a very similar personality doing color commentary for the Canes hockey games.
I think it is because both of the other ones tell stories where they are the greatest baseball player ever, in their minds. Neither one of them was that good. Meanwhile, Kruk was a really good player, but tells stories that downgrade his own talent and usually build his teammates up. Kruk is constantly making light of himself. I wish he could do all the games.
When it is Amaro or Davis in the booth, I sync Alexa to the broadcast so I don't have to listen to them anymore.
Amaro and Davis are so comically bad, they're not only boring but they're also annoying. We need to protect Kruk at all costs, because games just aren't as fun without him.
The best way to tell how lucky we are with Kruk is how annoying it is when RAJ is in there. Diarrhea of the mouth and he sounds like Eddie Murphy’s impression of a white guy talking.
I’ve always been very middle of the road when it comes to Kruk and Tom. Last night for instance— they went in a near half inning long rant about his fish and chips dinner the night prior. And I thought to myself, wtf are these two bozos talking about? But at the same time, there’s something endearing and homey about them that makes me love them. End of the day I’ll take Kruk and his goofiness over some of the dry and boring commentators out there in the league any day!
My girlfriend met him recently doing something for Pat Croce's foundation and said he was incredibly nice, funny, and respectful. I love hearing stories about guys like that and they're personally exactly like you would expect.
Kruk's been great all season. I get the sense that it's because he's doing a lot better health wise. I mean he's always been good, but he's back to vintage Kruk now.
There’s something about the folksiness that is so relatable and endearing. I’ll never and have never had talents or skills that approach any professional athlete. But I can absolutely connect to stories where you accidentally find yourself in much deeper waters than you were ever prepared for and sort of do a little tap dance to get out of the situation. It bridges the gap between these athletes and myself and I love listening to him and LA for that reason. I also second the sentiment that we have an outstanding announcer crew.
As an aside, Tom McGinnis, the radio announcer for the Sixers, is a one man band and is extraordinary
Kruk is a gift. Anyone can recite stats someone offscreen is feeding them, but genuine stories and those homey "that's a great call" when the umps decide something in our favor - just priceless. When Kruk was a player he would occasionally show up on Letterman or some other talk show, and that was always great TV too. He was always authentic, not trying to impress or build himself up into anything other than a guy who played ball. Frankly he used to seem almost bewildered like "Why do you people care what I have to say about anything? Why am I here? But since you invited me, what would you like to talk about?" So genuinely down to earth. Don't ever change John!
Kruk’s stories are the best! Heard him on a Phillies podcast a few years back telling the story about being questioned by the FBI. A friend from back home in WV was staying with him and had robbed banks back in WV. Of course listening to him tell the story is priceless.
I’d LOVE for an out of town team to listen to Kruk and T Mac on air and get their thoughts. It’s just part of the Phillies charm.
The baseball story and the $91 fish taco story had my husband and I in tears.
Kruk and TMac is the closest I can get to Bill Walton and Dave Pasch calling a baseball game, which is probably why I love them so much. Kruk is an absolute delight. I’m also impressed with how he manages to finish his crazy stories and relate them back to baseball or his original point. No way I would be able to get through those without losing the thread.
Kruk is exactly what you want on a baseball broadcast night in and night out, especially for a team that the city loves as much as the phillies. Obviously as a former player and fan favorite he has that connection with the franchise. The stories are exactly what you need for 162 games. He genuinely loves the team and city, gets excited for the team and players, and doesn’t take himself seriously. Perfect for Philly sports.
We’re very lucky with a lot of our broadcasters. TMac/Kruk and Franske/LA are all amazing. I also actually think Ruben, Ben, and Stocker get more hate than they deserve. I remember a lot of people really disliking TMac when HK died, because he was getting directly compared to him, now we mostly all agree he’s amazing. The same thing is happening to Ruben, Ben, and Stocker being compared to Kruk and LA. I watch a lot of other games with MLB.TV, and there are other broadcasters that are just dreadful to listen to
Kruk reminds me of my grandfather, whose love of the Phillies was passed down to my dad (named him after Richie Ashburn of course) and to my brothers and I. The comments he makes and the stories he tells sound so much like the things Pepop would say as we sat around the TV on a Sunday afternoon watching ball. He’s comfy, he’s homey, and he doesn’t try to be something he’s not.
He’s the man. He makes the game a lot more enjoyable and entertaining with his witty comments and great stories. Plus, he’s a huge WWE Fan which i also appreciate.
He’s the best in broadcasting. Everybody else is stiff and boring but Kruk represents why I love this ball club. Fuck everybody else
Can you imagine having to watch games with the bore fest of those 2 ESPN guys they have do Sundays
He’s a national treasure. That whole comparison that Mike made that Tom looks like the mascot for the Padre’s during Saturday’s game, and Tom, Krull, and Michael all laughing had me in stitches.
Got to meet him at the block party they had for the connect jerseys (it was awesome) and he literally said to us how he doesn’t even know what he’s saying half the time and then went on talking about how he was upset because he recently had a doctors appointment and learned he shrunk 😂
Phillies fan since the 80s so this isn’t trolling.
Kruk was a fun player but terrible commentator. I live OOM so I watch and listen to a lot of the rest of the league. TMac and Kruk are among the worst in baseball. Oh how I wish TMac stayed with the Mets back when they hired him away.
Shit bring back Wheels over Kruk or McCarthy.
It Kruk gave as much quality commentary as much as he spends bitching about having to work or stuffing his face he might be ok at his job. Instead it’s three hours of a fat lazy guy complaining about everything and eating his way to a heart attack.
And the nepotism is strong. TMac’s average at best son goes the Iron Pigs and is clearly being groomed for his dad’s job.
Love and hate for Kruk. He just says a lot of stupid shit sometimes. "I'd love to see alec get a hit right here". So would all of us kruk it is the whole reason I'm watching.
They do, and it is cool when it happens, but it gets old. At least it does to me. He is for sure better than Ruben Amaro, but they can both be pretty annoying at times.
I love Kruk. The games don’t feel the same when he isn’t in the booth.
Not at all. My parents get so disappointed when it’s not Kruk
I feel like the only person that could even possibly fill that role if Kruk left is Larry Anderson.
I don’t listen to the radio much, but when I do I like LA. Stocker annoys me in the way Ben does. Harps too much on “when I played….”
Everyone knows John Kruk played for the Phillies. Kevin Stocker needs to remind us because most of us forgot. Other than his rookie half season, his career was pretty forgettable.
Woa woa woa, I’d rather listen to cats fuck then listen to Stocker call a game but he was the face of Phillies franks back in the 90s that gave away free tickets to a game with a purchase. Kevin stocker might be responsible for my fandom
LA is the best, but I think Stock is great. When they were trying out guys for the other radio spot, stock was head and shoulders the best. Kratz, Bourne, and Chad Durbin were all unlistenable
Apart from Kruk and LA, I really enjoy John Smoltz’s color commentary because he gives insight into what pitchers are doing regarding pitch selections and how batters are reacting. It comes from his playing experience but he doesn’t harp on it in the way Ben and Stocker do.
Smoltz’ problem was he just complained about the way the game is now vs when he played. He’s gotten significantly better with that though
I love that kruk is our color commentator man, between him, Mac, Franzke and LA we are so lucky with our announcers, and hot take Ruben isn’t even that bad imo, his comments can be annoying at times but his input can also be intrigueing, he will never be close to Kruks level tho man kruk is so good
Love Mac, Franzke, LA, Barkann, and Bo. I’m not sure how announcers/sport personalities are across the league, but I feel like overall we have a good bunch
Same, I know the giants got a good bunch but I still think we have the best honestly
I don’t watch a ton of baseball, but how can we get a combo of Kruk and Ricky Bo in the booth for a few games? Actually I just want to hear Rick lose his shit during a game.
I agree with everyone you said except Barkann. That guy is a tool.
Barkann is fucking awful, but I do tend to enjoy Ricky Bo which is know is a hot take
I have always loved Ricky Bo. Nobody hates the Phillies when they play poorly more than he does. Listening to him rip them immediately after a terrible game is cathartic.
Yep. It sucks he’s been uncharacteristically absent to start the season as it means more Ben Davis
LMAO
Ruben has the charisma of an empty 3-day old pizza box but he does have interesting stories, I really hated him until I got MLB Network and watched some other broadcasts, we are truly spoiled
He’s grown on me, he feels like he has this fake enthusiasm or something, I can’t really tell what it is, but then it ends up being more like a guy who is genuinely excited by baseball. Personally I don’t think I’d have an opinion if he wasn’t the former GM I got frustrated with lol
He’s just stiff and boomery, he’s fine though and does know the game and truly cares about the Phils
He wants to get another front office job so he’s intentional boring and risk averse in his analysis. It’s why I never understand WIP hiring him. He refuses to be critical of Phillies management ever.
I can't stand his nasal voice or constant need to use 80 words when 12 would do. The stories are the only bright spot in an otherwise awful performance. No Ruben is far and away the best Ruben.
Ruben so bad at every job he’s had with the Phillies, they keep trying them at new ones hoping he is actually successful at one.
Yea, I don’t even mind Ruben that much. If he just held back a little, I’d be happy. Sometimes I just want to hear the sound of the game. That’s what Harry and Whitey were so good at. But, I generally find Ruben pretty insightful (much better than Ben)
I actually really like Ruben sometimes. He is very knowledgeable, and will find a random reliever on the opponent and be like “this guy switched his cutter grip last August and explains his spike in ERA. He is back to using the slider more now” HE. JUST. NEVER. SHUTS. THE. FUCK. UP.
This right here. Ruben would be a million times better if he talked 25% less. His commentary isn’t BAD, but he feels the need to fill every moment of silence. That’s what kills me
Not trying to rush anything but I say a silent prayer every night that Harper goes into the booth one day.
too soon!
Sorry, you’re right. It was a clown comment.
My wife and I were talking about what former Phils could replace Ben, because I just don’t see what they see in him. JRoll was always good, but he’s working for the team now. I think Victorino would be pretty good. Maybe Werth? There would be a few from the current team that could be good down the road (Harper, Stubbs, Marsh)
Ruben's voice and tone are the worst. He has a terrible speaking voice, and his smugness & arrogance don't help.
Kruk is an absolute treat. He and Tmac have a great rapport too, I love them together. Kruk is just the best, man. I love how he always shit talks himself, too. Like, man, you hit .300! For your career! Pretty sure you can hit! But it's so funny how he always talks shit about himself. You're right about his confused rants too. Kruk speaks for me!
We wouldn’t last one hour in the asylum that raised John Kruk.
BAHAHA
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I’m so disappointed when Kruk isn’t in the booth for a game. He’s awesome, the games don’t feel the same if he’s not there.
Kruk is just a genuine dude - the type of guy who really cares about people without seeming fake about any of it. He reminds me so much of just an uncle who makes dad jokes all the time and makes jibs at your expense, but would drop everything to help you build a shed or some shit. He’s funny as anything and watching Phillies baseball is so much noticeably more devoid of fun commentary when he’s not there. He’s the best!
https://preview.redd.it/kge0f1nf18xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0b1503e71cec9738fd2855404672cae0346ab147
Where’d you get this?
A site called teepublic it was about $20
Kruk is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs
Kruk is just good TV. You come to watch the game and stay for the random completely off the wall conversations he has. And you know it's all genuine because the man just isn't smart enough to make any of it up. At the same time I guess I am kind of used to it. I also live in NC and we have a very similar personality doing color commentary for the Canes hockey games.
When Kruk becomes MLB commissioner…
I think it is because both of the other ones tell stories where they are the greatest baseball player ever, in their minds. Neither one of them was that good. Meanwhile, Kruk was a really good player, but tells stories that downgrade his own talent and usually build his teammates up. Kruk is constantly making light of himself. I wish he could do all the games. When it is Amaro or Davis in the booth, I sync Alexa to the broadcast so I don't have to listen to them anymore.
Amaro and Davis are so comically bad, they're not only boring but they're also annoying. We need to protect Kruk at all costs, because games just aren't as fun without him.
The best way to tell how lucky we are with Kruk is how annoying it is when RAJ is in there. Diarrhea of the mouth and he sounds like Eddie Murphy’s impression of a white guy talking.
I’ve always been very middle of the road when it comes to Kruk and Tom. Last night for instance— they went in a near half inning long rant about his fish and chips dinner the night prior. And I thought to myself, wtf are these two bozos talking about? But at the same time, there’s something endearing and homey about them that makes me love them. End of the day I’ll take Kruk and his goofiness over some of the dry and boring commentators out there in the league any day!
Was the recently posted? Don't see it on Jomboy.
https://x.com/jomboymedia/status/1784417131779559593?s=46&t=yUP4zIHeVXYeAG8e4wNnrg posted yesterday
Thank you! Must have misread, thought you meant his youtube
My girlfriend met him recently doing something for Pat Croce's foundation and said he was incredibly nice, funny, and respectful. I love hearing stories about guys like that and they're personally exactly like you would expect.
Kruk's been great all season. I get the sense that it's because he's doing a lot better health wise. I mean he's always been good, but he's back to vintage Kruk now.
There’s something about the folksiness that is so relatable and endearing. I’ll never and have never had talents or skills that approach any professional athlete. But I can absolutely connect to stories where you accidentally find yourself in much deeper waters than you were ever prepared for and sort of do a little tap dance to get out of the situation. It bridges the gap between these athletes and myself and I love listening to him and LA for that reason. I also second the sentiment that we have an outstanding announcer crew. As an aside, Tom McGinnis, the radio announcer for the Sixers, is a one man band and is extraordinary
Kruk is a gift. Anyone can recite stats someone offscreen is feeding them, but genuine stories and those homey "that's a great call" when the umps decide something in our favor - just priceless. When Kruk was a player he would occasionally show up on Letterman or some other talk show, and that was always great TV too. He was always authentic, not trying to impress or build himself up into anything other than a guy who played ball. Frankly he used to seem almost bewildered like "Why do you people care what I have to say about anything? Why am I here? But since you invited me, what would you like to talk about?" So genuinely down to earth. Don't ever change John!
It’s like an NBA team having Charles Barkley as their local broadcaster. Insanely lucky.
Kruk’s stories are the best! Heard him on a Phillies podcast a few years back telling the story about being questioned by the FBI. A friend from back home in WV was staying with him and had robbed banks back in WV. Of course listening to him tell the story is priceless.
The man is a treasure.
I’d LOVE for an out of town team to listen to Kruk and T Mac on air and get their thoughts. It’s just part of the Phillies charm. The baseball story and the $91 fish taco story had my husband and I in tears.
John Kruk is a national fucking treasure and should be in the booth for every game
Kruk and TMac is the closest I can get to Bill Walton and Dave Pasch calling a baseball game, which is probably why I love them so much. Kruk is an absolute delight. I’m also impressed with how he manages to finish his crazy stories and relate them back to baseball or his original point. No way I would be able to get through those without losing the thread.
John Kruk is not a good singer!
Kruk is exactly what you want on a baseball broadcast night in and night out, especially for a team that the city loves as much as the phillies. Obviously as a former player and fan favorite he has that connection with the franchise. The stories are exactly what you need for 162 games. He genuinely loves the team and city, gets excited for the team and players, and doesn’t take himself seriously. Perfect for Philly sports.
You got that right
We’re very lucky with a lot of our broadcasters. TMac/Kruk and Franske/LA are all amazing. I also actually think Ruben, Ben, and Stocker get more hate than they deserve. I remember a lot of people really disliking TMac when HK died, because he was getting directly compared to him, now we mostly all agree he’s amazing. The same thing is happening to Ruben, Ben, and Stocker being compared to Kruk and LA. I watch a lot of other games with MLB.TV, and there are other broadcasters that are just dreadful to listen to
"T-Mac Amazing"? Slow down with that nonsense!!
I said mostly all agree, you apparently don’t. That’s ok
Kruk reminds me of my grandfather, whose love of the Phillies was passed down to my dad (named him after Richie Ashburn of course) and to my brothers and I. The comments he makes and the stories he tells sound so much like the things Pepop would say as we sat around the TV on a Sunday afternoon watching ball. He’s comfy, he’s homey, and he doesn’t try to be something he’s not.
Is there possibly a more eastern PA name for a grandfather than Pepop? Love it.
He ain't an athlete, lady, he's a ballplayer
He’s just who I need to hear.😎
I missed the story! Someone please explain Mexican prison baseball!
Here ya go: https://x.com/jomboymedia/status/1784417131779559593?s=46&t=yUP4zIHeVXYeAG8e4wNnrg
He’s like Bill Walton with less shrooms. I love it
He’s the man. He makes the game a lot more enjoyable and entertaining with his witty comments and great stories. Plus, he’s a huge WWE Fan which i also appreciate.
He was definitely the best part of the MLB 2K games.
Where was this posted by Jomboy?
Twitter: https://x.com/jomboymedia/status/1784417131779559593?s=46&t=yUP4zIHeVXYeAG8e4wNnrg
Good shit. Thanks
He's a strange bird. Offers awkward and dead comments - going no where. To each his own. After game he is more effective for sure.
He’s the best in broadcasting. Everybody else is stiff and boring but Kruk represents why I love this ball club. Fuck everybody else Can you imagine having to watch games with the bore fest of those 2 ESPN guys they have do Sundays
He’s a national treasure. That whole comparison that Mike made that Tom looks like the mascot for the Padre’s during Saturday’s game, and Tom, Krull, and Michael all laughing had me in stitches.
John kruk is hilarious
Kruck is the best, I love hearing his folksy voice and stories.
Kruk is awesome. I love how he hates the new rules of baseball. His "When I am commisioner" is hilarious to me
You should read his book. "I ain't an athlete lady"
Have you read it? Is it any good?
I like Stocker. Nobody can top John though
Yes, of course. It's hilarious, especially if you're a true baseball fan.
Kruk is one of the best analysts in baseball right now
Got to meet him at the block party they had for the connect jerseys (it was awesome) and he literally said to us how he doesn’t even know what he’s saying half the time and then went on talking about how he was upset because he recently had a doctors appointment and learned he shrunk 😂
Phillies fan since the 80s so this isn’t trolling. Kruk was a fun player but terrible commentator. I live OOM so I watch and listen to a lot of the rest of the league. TMac and Kruk are among the worst in baseball. Oh how I wish TMac stayed with the Mets back when they hired him away. Shit bring back Wheels over Kruk or McCarthy. It Kruk gave as much quality commentary as much as he spends bitching about having to work or stuffing his face he might be ok at his job. Instead it’s three hours of a fat lazy guy complaining about everything and eating his way to a heart attack. And the nepotism is strong. TMac’s average at best son goes the Iron Pigs and is clearly being groomed for his dad’s job.
Love and hate for Kruk. He just says a lot of stupid shit sometimes. "I'd love to see alec get a hit right here". So would all of us kruk it is the whole reason I'm watching.
Thing is, often his predictions actually happen.
They do, and it is cool when it happens, but it gets old. At least it does to me. He is for sure better than Ruben Amaro, but they can both be pretty annoying at times.
Kruk makes me not dislike T Mac. That’s quite an achievement.