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NBC Sports Philadelphia Makes Decision On John Kruk

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 23, 2025 11:57 AM ET

John Kruk will continue calling Philadelphia Phillies games beyond 2025.

The former All-Star hitter has become a fan favorite in the NBC Sports Philadelphia booth. Since leaving ESPN, the color commentator has shown more of his jovial personality alongside play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy.

On Friday, Philadelphia Magazine published a feature on Kruk written by Jake Kring-Schreifels. The profile mentioned that Kruk signed a four-year extension with NBC Sports Philadelphia over the winter.

Kruk hopes to stick around longer. Kring-Schreifels added that the broadcaster told Bryce Harper he wants to remain in the booth throughout the star slugger's 13-year contract, which expires after the 2031 season.

Whether he's talking about Dance Moms, ranting about Caillou, or scaring a kid, fans never quite know what they'll hear from Kruk during a Phillies game. That might include his bosses, as Kruk admitted that he doesn't pay much attention to production notes.

"They call it a rundown, and to this day, I still have no idea what the hell is on those papers," Kruk mused.

Kruk often regales viewers with entertaining asides, such as his experience playing against a prison team in Mexico during the 1980s. Former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., who now works as a game analyst for NBC Philadelphia, believes that off-the-cuff style adds to Kruk's charm.

"He can get off on a tangent sometimes, but I think that that's part of who John is," Amaro said. "He's happy to be in somebody's living room talking about his favorite sport."

Many broadcasters work to insist fans that they don't hate their favorite teams. Not Kruk. Having played six seasons with the Phillies before calling their games, the 64-year-old isn't hiding any bias.

"I've had people say, ‘Oh, you're a homer, you're a homer,'" Kruk says. "No s***! I pull for the Phillies. I hope your team sucks and loses."

Kruk will return to the booth for another Phillies season, which starts Thursday against the Washington Nationals.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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