ESPN, former Phillies 1B John Kruk ‘part ways’

By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor

Former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman John Kurk confirmed this evening that he is 'parting ways' with long-time employer ESPN: 

ESPN and I have mutually agreed to part ways. I can't thank them enough for all they have done for me and my family.

— John Kruk (@JohnKruk) October 4, 2016

ESPN told the Big Lead earlier in the day that the two sides were going their separate ways. 

Kruk, who joined ESPN in 2004, has primarily been an analyst on the network's flagship baseball show, Baseball Tonight. He's also did some color commentary in his time with the "the worldwide leader."

Though most analysts at major networks don't usually have universally positive reviews, Kurk was widely viewed as one of the better analysts on the major networks. 

The 55-year-old, who seems to be leaving ESPN on good terms, says that he hopes to continue being an analyst:

I will continue to pursue TV opportunities so I can continue covering the game I love

— John Kruk (@JohnKruk) October 4, 2016

While it's possible that Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia will reach out to Kruk, who worked there briefly before moving on to analyzing the game at a national level, it seems likely that a national network, such as FS1, will attempt to hire Kruk. 

Kruk played for the Phillies from the summer from 1989 through 1995. In his time with the club, he made three All-Star appearances and was a key member of the 1993 National League pennant-winning team. Kruk was elected to the Phillies Wall of Fame in 2011.