Kruk couldn’t be bothered to answer “rude” phone calls from ESPN producers while on the golf course.
The wise-cracking Kruk was introduced as the newest member of the Phillies’ announcing team Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park.
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Kruk related the worst part about working at ESPN for 12 years.
Namely, the “incessant” phone calls and meetings that interrupted his golf game.
“If I say this I’m going to get in trouble, but I’ll say it anyway,” said Kruk, according to the New York Post, via CSN Philly. “Me? I’m not big on meetings. We had a lot of them up there (at ESPN). A whole bunch. Incessant phone calls. I didn’t answer most. Pretty rude when somebody’s hitting to answer your phone when you’re playing golf.”
He later clarified that statement by humorously noting: “The phone calls weren’t that bad. … It was having to listen to them that was painful.”
Kruk wouldn’t be the first and won’t be the last ex-jock to be shown the door up in Bristol because he tried to mail it in.
ESPN prizes hard work above all else. If Kruk was even semi-serious Tuesday, I’m surprised he lasted 12 years at the Worldwide Leader.
With Kruk out the door, ESPN announced this week the hiring of ex-Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira as the newest member of its broadcast team.
Teixeira is a straight-arrow boy scout type. He’s the type who will be calling his ESPN producers while they’re on the golf course.
Said ESPN coordinating producer Seth Markman:
“Mark brings valuable insight from his experience as one of the elite first basemen and hitters of his era. His star power and credentials, coupled with his modern perspective of the game, will benefit our coverage. He’s been on our radar for quite some time and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
