John Kruk

John Martin Kruk (born February 9, 1961 in Handley, West Virginia) is an American former Major League Baseball player and current baseball analyst for ESPN. Kruk was raised in Keyser, West Virginia in Mineral County, the state's Potomac Highlands. He played baseball at Keyser High School in Keyser, West Virginia, at Potomac State College, and at Allegany Community College. Kruk signed as a #3 Special Draft selection on June 13, 1981 with scout Ha... more

John Martin Kruk (born February 9, 1961 in Handley, West Virginia) is an American former Major League Baseball player and current baseball analyst for ESPN. Kruk was raised in Keyser, West Virginia in Mineral County, the state's Potomac Highlands. He played baseball at Keyser High School in Keyser, West Virginia, at Potomac State College, and at Allegany Community College. Kruk signed as a #3 Special Draft selection on June 13, 1981 with scout Hank Zacharias. He began his professional career with the San Diego Padres after being drafted in 1981. He played in such outposts as Walla Walla, Reno, Beaumont, and Las Vegas, before making his debut with the Padres in 1986. In this same year he was part of the "Liga Mexicana del Pacifico" which is the Mexican Pacific League playing with the Mexicali Eagles. Kruk performed an outstanding role with the Mexicali Eagles, helping them to win both the League championship title and Caribbean Series Baseball Title. While at Allegany Community College... less