Longtime New York Mets radio broadcaster Howie Rose announced on Thursday that he will retire at the end of the 2026 Major League Baseball season after nearly 40 years with the team's broadcasts.[1][2]
Rose, 72, first joined the Mets radio network in 1987 as host of pre-game and post-game shows and later became the lead play-by-play announcer.[2][3]
In a video posted to the Mets' social media accounts, Rose said: "Excited as always about the beginning of another Mets season. In fact, I've been blessed to be a part of Mets broadcasts in one capacity or another since 1987. And every season's been unique and significant in its own way. This year, though, will be especially meaningful to me because 2026 will be my final season in the Mets broadcast booth."[1]
Rose said the decision was difficult and that he had considered it for several years, citing his age and a desire to spend more time with his wife, Barbara. He added that he plans to broadcast all Mets home games at Citi Field, games at Yankee Stadium and any postseason contests if the team qualifies.[1]
Rose stated he would not make a complete break from the Mets and expressed appreciation for fans' support. He said he hoped to emcee the opening day ceremonies at Citi Field and, ideally, a World Series victory parade down the Canyon of Heroes.[1]
Sources
- Fox News Digital, "Longtime radio broadcaster Howie Rose announced Thursday that he is retiring", accessed February 2026, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/longtime-mets-broadcaster-howie-rose-retiring
- New York Mets official website, "Howie Rose broadcaster profile", accessed February 2026, https://www.mlb.com/mets/team/broadcasters#rose-howie
- Wikipedia, "Howie Rose", last edited February 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howie_Rose
