New York Mets play-by-play announcer Howie Rose announced Thursday he will retire at the finish of the 2026 season, bringing to a close a broadcasting career spanning four decades with the organization. The announcement, made via a video posted on the team’s social media channels, marks the end of an era for Mets fans who have grown accustomed to Rose’s voice calling the team’s most memorable moments.
Rose, 72, has been a fixture in the Mets broadcasting booth since 1987, initially contributing as a pre- and post-game host before transitioning to television play-by-play in 1996. He became the team’s lead radio voice in 2004, succeeding Bob Murphy, and has been synonymous with Mets baseball ever since, known for his signature call of “Put it in the books!” after a Mets victory. MLB.com reported that Rose had previously expressed a desire to continue broadcasting until the Mets secured another World Series title.
However, health concerns have factored into Rose’s decision. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2021, leading to a reduction in his broadcasting schedule. ESPN reported that travel has become increasingly difficult for Rose, prompting him to limit his assignments to home games, with an exception for the Subway Series against the New York Yankees and any potential postseason appearances.
“Every season has been unique or significant in its own way,” Rose said in the video announcement. “This year, though, will be especially meaningful to me due to the fact that 2026 will be my final season in the Mets broadcast booth. Now trust me I did not arrive at this decision to retire easily. I’ve been going back and forth in my mind over the last few years, but the simple reality is, I’m 72 years old and my wife Barbara sacrificed so much for so long deserves to have her husband around a little more often.”
Born and raised in Queens, Rose’s connection to the Mets runs deep. He grew up attending games at Shea Stadium and has witnessed firsthand the team’s highs and lows. He also spent years calling NHL games, working with the New York Rangers (1989-1995) and New York Islanders (1995-2016) during the baseball offseason, according to Sports Illustrated. His career highlights include calls of the Mets’ 2015 National League pennant run and Pete Alonso’s go-ahead home run in the 2024 NL Wild Card Series Game 3.
Despite his impending retirement, Rose indicated he doesn’t envision a complete departure from the Mets organization. “Hopefully, I’ll be involved now and then in some still-to-be-determined capacity, because for me, letting go of the Mets isn’t hard, it’s impossible!” he stated. Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen lauded Rose’s contributions, stating his “passion for the Mets has carried across the airwaves and into the homes and hearts of fans everywhere,” as reported by NBC New York.
Rose expressed a final aspiration for his last season: to be “master of ceremonies on the steps of City Hall after a trip down the Canyon of Heroes” should the Mets win the World Series. The team has not won a World Series since 1986, leaving Rose’s ultimate broadcasting dream still unfulfilled as he embarks on his final season.
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