John Kruk is a former MLB first baseman and outfielder, playing from 1986-1995 for the Padres, Phillies, and White Sox. A three-time All-Star, Kruk was known for his hitting ability and unconventional physique. After retiring, he transitioned to broadcasting, first with ESPN and later as a color commentator for Phillies games on NBC Sports Philadelphia, where he provides insightful and often humorous commentary.
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NBC is adjusting its MLB playoff broadcast approach, adding analyst Steve Stone to the White Sox-Astros series and finalizing commentator lineups for key matchups like Phillies versus Braves to improve the viewer experience.
February 9, 1961: John Kruk Born
On February 9, 1961, John Martin Kruk was born. He later became a professional baseball player.
June 13, 1981: Kruk Signed as Draft Pick
On June 13, 1981, Kruk was signed as the third overall selection in the Special Draft.
1986: MLB Debut
In 1986, John Kruk made his Major League Baseball debut with the San Diego Padres.
April 13, 1987: Three Consecutive Home Runs
On April 13, 1987, Marvell Wynne, Tony Gwynn, and John Kruk became the first players in major league history to open their half of the 1st inning with three consecutive solo home runs against the San Francisco Giants.
October 1987: Kruk Rents House with Plummer and Hafer
In October 1987, John Kruk rented a house in San Diego with Roy Plummer and Vernon (Jay) Hafer, beginning a period of socializing and partying.
February 1988: FBI Informing Kruk About Roommates
In February 1988, the FBI informed John Kruk that his roommate, Roy Plummer, was an armed robber and believed that Kruk turned him in to the police, causing Kruk stress.
September 19, 1988: Plummer Apprehended
On September 19, 1988, Roy Plummer, John Kruk's former roommate, was apprehended, alleviating Kruk's fear of reprisal.
June 2, 1989: Kruk Traded to Phillies
On June 2, 1989, John Kruk, along with Randy Ready, was traded by the San Diego Padres to the Philadelphia Phillies for Chris James.
1991: All-Star Game Appearance
In 1991, John Kruk played in the All-Star Game, marking one of his All-Star appearances.
1992: All-Star Game Appearance
In 1992, John Kruk played in the All-Star Game, marking one of his All-Star appearances.
1993: All-Star Game Appearance and Randy Johnson At Bat
In 1993, John Kruk played in the All-Star Game. He had a memorable at bat against Randy Johnson where he flailed at a 98 mph fastball.
1993: World Series Appearance
In 1993, John Kruk was a member of the Phillies' "Macho Row" that led the team to the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. He batted .348/.500/.391 in the Series.
1994: Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer
During spring training in 1994, John Kruk was diagnosed with testicular cancer after being hit in the groin by an errant throw.
1994: Book Publication
In 1994, John Kruk released his book titled "I Ain't an Athlete, Lady".
May 12, 1995: Signed with Chicago White Sox
On May 12, 1995, John Kruk signed with the Chicago White Sox to serve as a designated hitter in the American League.
1996: Acting Role in The Fan
In 1996, John Kruk had an acting role in the film "The Fan".
2001: Coaching with Reading Phillies
In 2001, John Kruk coached the Reading Phillies of the Class AA Eastern League.
2007: MLB on ESPN Commercials
In 2007, John Kruk appeared in MLB on ESPN commercials, playing himself as part of moments in baseball history. In one commercial, his old briefcase caused bugs to attack Karl Ravech.
2008: Guest Starred in Aqua Teen Hunger Force
In 2008, John Kruk guest starred as himself in an episode of Adult Swim's adult cartoon "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" titled "Sirens".
July 12, 2010: Coached in All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game
On July 12, 2010, John Kruk coached the National League team in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game in Anaheim, California.
2012: Color Commentator for Sunday Night Baseball
In 2012, John Kruk was hired by ESPN to be the color commentator for Sunday Night Baseball alongside Dan Shulman. Also in 2012, Kruk asked the Davisson Brothers Band to write a new theme song for Baseball Tonight.
2015: Recorded "Right Here on ESPN" track
In 2015, John Kruk asked the Davisson Brothers Band to record a special track titled "Right Here on ESPN" for the ESPN bumpers during the July 4 weekend.
2016: Parted Ways with ESPN
Following the 2016 baseball season in October, John Kruk and ESPN mutually agreed to part ways.
February 2017: Joined Phillies Broadcast Team
In February 2017, Comcast SportsNet announced that they hired John Kruk to join the Philadelphia Phillies broadcast team.
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