Longtime New York Mets radio play-by-play announcer Howie Rose announced Thursday that the 2026 Major League Baseball season will be his final one in the broadcast booth after nearly four decades with the organization.[1]

Rose, 72, has been involved with Mets radio broadcasts since 1987 as a fill-in announcer, later serving as pre-game and post-game host starting in 1995 and taking over primary play-by-play duties in 2004.[2][3] In a video posted to the Mets' social media accounts, he described the decision as difficult, noting he had contemplated it for years.

"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," Rose said.[1]

Rose plans to call all Mets home games at Citi Field, games at Yankee Stadium and any postseason contests should the team qualify. He cited family considerations, including more time with his wife Barbara, and the strong connection with fans as factors in his decision.

"Now, trust me, I did not arrive at this decision to retire easily. I've been going back and forth in my mind about it for the last few years. But the simple reality is that I'm 72 years old, and my wife Barbara, who has sacrificed so much for so long, deserves to have her husband around a little more often," Rose said.[1]

He added that he does not anticipate a complete break from the Mets after 2026 and expressed hope for a World Series championship, including a potential ticker-tape parade in New York City.

"Hopefully, I'll be involved now and then in some still-to-be-determined capacity... I would like nothing better than to bookend [opening day] by serving as master of ceremonies on the steps of City Hall after a trip down the Canyon of Heroes immediately following the season," Rose said.[1]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital, "Longtime radio broadcaster Howie Rose announced Thursday that he is retiring," accessed October 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/sports
2. MLB.com, "Mets Broadcasters," accessed October 2024, https://www.mlb.com/mets/team/broadcasters
3. Wikipedia, "Howie Rose," accessed October 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howie_Rose