Veteran sports broadcaster Howie Rose has announced that he will retire from his role as the radio voice of the New York Mets at the conclusion of the 2026 Major League Baseball season. The decision, revealed jointly by Rose and the organization on Thursday, marks the end of a remarkable broadcasting career that has spanned decades and placed him among the most recognizable voices in New York sports. For more than thirty years, fans have listened to Rose narrate some of the most unforgettable moments in Mets history, building a legacy defined by passion, precision, and a deep connection with the team’s fan base.
Rose has been associated with Mets broadcasts in some capacity every season since 1995, working across both radio and television. Over the years, his energetic play-by-play style and unmistakable enthusiasm helped make him one of the most beloved voices in baseball broadcasting. His familiar catchphrase—“Put it in the books!”—became synonymous with Mets victories and a rallying cry for fans celebrating the team’s successes. For generations of listeners tuning in from cars, living rooms, and ballparks across the country, Rose’s voice served as the soundtrack to countless games.
Before cementing his legacy with the Mets, Rose had already built an impressive résumé in New York sports media. He served as a radio broadcaster for the New York Rangers, including during their unforgettable 1993–94 season when the team captured the Stanley Cup championship. That season remains one of the most iconic moments in Rangers history, and Rose’s commentary helped bring the excitement of that championship run to fans across the region. In addition, he spent time as both a radio and television voice for the New York Islanders, another prominent franchise in the National Hockey League. Through these roles, Rose became known not only as a baseball announcer but also as a versatile broadcaster capable of delivering compelling commentary across multiple sports.
Despite his enduring enthusiasm for the game and the Mets organization, Rose acknowledged that the decision to retire was influenced by personal considerations. At 72 years old, he explained that it was time to step back from the demanding schedule of a full Major League Baseball season. Broadcasting requires extensive travel and long hours, particularly during the baseball season, which stretches from early spring through the fall. Rose emphasized that he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Barbara, who he noted has supported his career for decades while making many sacrifices along the way.
In a heartfelt message shared through a video posted on social media, Rose expressed the emotional difficulty of making the choice. He said that arriving at the decision was far from easy, but he ultimately felt that this stage of life called for a shift in priorities. After years of traveling across the country to cover games, he wants to be more present at home. He also acknowledged Barbara’s patience and support throughout his long career, suggesting that she deserves to have her husband around more often—even if she might occasionally wish otherwise.
Health considerations have also played a role in Rose’s recent broadcasting schedule. In 2023, he publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Bladder Cancer two years earlier. Following the diagnosis, Rose underwent treatment and began adjusting his workload to manage the condition more effectively. In recent seasons, he reduced the number of road games he called in order to maintain his health and energy levels. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to delivering high-quality broadcasts whenever possible, continuing to provide fans with the insight and enthusiasm that defined his career.
During the 2026 season, Rose plans to maintain a significant presence in the broadcast booth for what will be his final year behind the microphone. He is scheduled to call every Mets home game at Citi Field, ensuring that fans attending games in Queens will continue hearing his voice guiding them through the action. Additionally, he will be on the call for the Mets’ three road games against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in mid-September. If the Mets reach the postseason later that year, Rose will also be in the booth to broadcast every playoff game, potentially bringing his career full circle with one final October run.
Over the decades, Rose has witnessed—and described—many of the most significant moments in Mets history. His play-by-play narration often elevated dramatic plays into lasting memories for fans. One of the most famous calls of his career occurred during a game on September 21, 2001, when the Mets returned to New York following the tragic events of September 11 attacks. In that emotional first home game after the attacks, Mets catcher Mike Piazza hit a dramatic go-ahead two-run home run against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning.
The moment instantly became one of the most powerful and symbolic in Mets history. As the ball sailed over the fence, Rose’s call captured the emotional intensity of the crowd at Shea Stadium. The thunderous roar from the stands, combined with Rose’s narration, turned the play into a defining moment not only for the Mets but also for the city of New York as it began the difficult process of healing after the attacks. Even today, many fans associate Rose’s voice with that unforgettable home run.
Another milestone that Rose famously described occurred on June 1, 2012, when pitcher Johan Santana threw the first—and still only—no-hitter in Mets franchise history. Facing the St. Louis Cardinals, Santana delivered a historic performance at Citi Field, throwing a career-high 134 pitches. The game also featured a dramatic defensive play when outfielder Mike Baxter, a native of Queens, made a remarkable catch near the left-field wall in the seventh inning to preserve the no-hit bid.
When Santana finally struck out David Freese to end the game, Rose delivered one of his most memorable calls. His triumphant declaration—“Put it in the books! The history books!”—perfectly captured the significance of the moment and instantly became a beloved soundbite among Mets fans.
More recently, Rose added another dramatic moment to his legacy during the 2024 postseason. In Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series, Mets first baseman Pete Alonso hit a dramatic go-ahead three-run home run in the ninth inning against closer Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers. Rose’s energetic call of Alonso’s home run perfectly captured the tension and excitement of the moment, as the Mets ultimately secured the victory and advanced further into the postseason. For many fans, the call has already become one of the most iconic postseason broadcasts in the team’s recent history.
Looking ahead, the Mets organization will eventually need to select a new primary voice for their radio broadcasts once Rose steps away. A strong candidate already working within the broadcast team is Keith Raad, who joined the Mets’ radio booth in 2025. Raad previously served for five years as the play-by-play voice of the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Mets’ High-A minor league affiliate. A native of Valley Stream, New York, Raad has steadily built a reputation as a talented and knowledgeable broadcaster. Because of his experience within the Mets organization and familiarity with the team, many observers expect he will eventually assume the lead role when Rose retires.
Even after stepping away from calling games, Rose has indicated that he does not plan to sever his relationship with the Mets entirely. Instead, he hopes to remain involved with the organization in some capacity. Although the exact nature of that role has not yet been specified, Rose made it clear that his connection to the team runs far deeper than his broadcasting duties.
He emphasized that leaving the booth does not mean leaving the Mets behind. For someone who has spent decades immersed in the team’s culture, traditions, and history, the idea of completely separating from the organization would be unimaginable. Rose himself acknowledged this sentiment, saying that while retiring from broadcasting may be necessary, letting go of the Mets entirely would be impossible.
As the 2026 season approaches, Mets fans are likely to view it as a farewell tour for one of the most recognizable voices in franchise history. After more than three decades of describing the drama of baseball over the airwaves, Howie Rose’s final season promises to be both celebratory and emotional. Whether calling a routine regular-season game or a dramatic postseason moment, his voice will carry the weight of a career defined by dedication, professionalism, and a deep love for the team he has represented for so many years.
When Rose finally signs off after the 2026 season, he will leave behind not only a remarkable career but also a lasting impact on generations of Mets fans. For many listeners, his voice has been inseparable from the experience of following the team. And although the Mets will eventually move forward with a new broadcaster, the memories created through Rose’s calls will remain an enduring part of the franchise’s history.
