Howie Rose Announces Retirement

Renowned Mets broadcaster Howie Rose shared a heartfelt message with fans in Queens after announcing his retirement on Thursday.

“Honestly, I’m truly touched by all the warm wishes. It’s hard to put into words how much your support over the years means to me. Enjoy the upcoming season—you really are the best. Much love,” he expressed in a post on X.

At 72, Rose will officially retire following the 2026 season and will only cover Mets home games this year, excluding the postseason.

While he has served as the emcee for various on-field events, there’s a chance he might continue in that capacity.

In a video shared by the Mets, Rose reflected, “Trust me, this wasn’t an easy decision. I’ve been wrestling with it for a few years now. But the fact is, I’m 72, and my wife, Barbara, has been so supportive for so long. It’s time for us to spend more time together, whether she’s ready for it or not.” He noted that the window for that time is closing, saying, “I need to make a move, but I can’t control everything.”

He also clarified that he isn’t completely stepping away and hopes to stay connected with the organization even after this season.

The announcement caught Gary Cohen, who has been the Mets’ leading voice on SNY since 2006, off guard, even though they had discussed Rose’s retirement previously.

“It hit me hard because it felt like a huge part of the Mets was fading away,” Cohen remarked.

Rose joined Mets broadcasts in 1987 and moved to radio in 2004. He also had stints calling games for the NHL’s New York Rangers and Islanders early on.

Throughout his career, Rose has made several memorable calls, from Mike Piazza’s home run post-September 11 attacks in 2001 to Pete Alonso’s first-inning homer during the 2024 Wild Card Series against the Brewers.