A Family Divided: The McCarthys' Journey from Trenton to the Big Leagues

How Baseball Brought a Father and Son Together, and Apart

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective scene of a baseball broadcast booth, capturing the dynamic tension and rivalry between the McCarthys' careers on opposite sides of the Mets-Phillies divide.The McCarthys' broadcasting rivalry reflects the deep-rooted Mets-Phillies divide that has shaped baseball fandom in New Jersey for generations.Trenton Today

In New Jersey, the age-old debate between Mets and Phillies fans has divided households for generations. For the McCarthy family, this rivalry has shaped their lives in unique ways. Tom McCarthy, the beloved voice of the Phillies, and his son Pat, who broadcasts for the Mets, have forged successful careers on opposite sides of this baseball divide, starting from their roots in Trenton.

Why it matters

The McCarthys' story highlights how baseball can both unite and divide families, as well as the challenges of pursuing a broadcasting career in the competitive world of professional sports. Their journey also reflects the broader cultural significance of baseball fandom in New Jersey, where proximity to multiple MLB teams creates a unique regional identity.

The details

Tom McCarthy initially thought his younger son, Tommy, would join him in the Phillies' broadcast booth, but it was his other son, Pat, who followed in his footsteps. Pat's passion for broadcasting was ignited in high school, and he eventually landed a role with the Mets' radio team, much to the delight of Mets fans and the chagrin of his Phillies-loving father. The McCarthys' careers have intersected at various points, including during the Mets' heartbreaking collapse in 2007 and the Phillies' World Series win in 2008, the year Tom returned to the Phillies' broadcast team.

  • Tom McCarthy joined the Phillies' broadcast team in 2001.
  • Pat McCarthy began his professional broadcasting career calling games for the Trenton Thunder, a Yankees Double-A affiliate, while still in college.
  • In 2006, Tom McCarthy joined the Mets' radio team with legendary broadcaster Howie Rose, a memorable two-year stint for the family.
  • The Phillies won the World Series in 2008, Tom McCarthy's first year back with the team.
  • On April 13, 2009, the Phillies' longtime voice, Harry Kalas, passed away, and Tom McCarthy stepped up to handle the situation with grace.

The players

Tom McCarthy

The beloved television voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, with nearly two decades of experience in the broadcast booth.

Pat McCarthy

Tom's son, who is in his fourth season as a broadcaster for the New York Mets' radio team, following in his father's footsteps.

Tommy McCarthy

Tom's younger son, who initially was thought to be the one to join his father in the broadcast booth, but instead pursued other interests.

Howie Rose

The legendary broadcaster who worked alongside Tom McCarthy during his two-year stint with the Mets' radio team.

Harry Kalas

The Phillies' longtime voice, who passed away in 2009, leaving a significant impact on the McCarthy family and the team's broadcast team.

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What they’re saying

“When you're young, it's easy to focus on the negatives and overlook the positives. As a kid, I noticed my dad wasn't always home for dinner or at my Little League games. That mattered to me.”

— Pat McCarthy, Mets Broadcaster

“I rarely came home in a bad mood because I love what I do. If I had stayed in baseball administration, I don't know if I'd feel the same.”

— Tom McCarthy, Phillies Broadcaster

“That season is my earliest memory as a fan. I was in fifth or sixth grade and understood everything. It was amazing. I went to games with my dad, and my best friend's family had season tickets. It was cool.”

— Pat McCarthy, Mets Broadcaster

“Going back to being a Phillies fan was an easy transition. Even when my dad was with the Mets, the Phillies still sent him gifts at Christmas. We started going to spring training, and my brother and I were bat boys.”

— Pat McCarthy, Mets Broadcaster

“I love hearing that my father is a great broadcaster, and he is. But I love it more when they say what a great guy he is. That's what I admire most. He treats everyone the same, regardless of their role.”

— Pat McCarthy, Mets Broadcaster

What’s next

As Pat McCarthy's role with the Mets continues to expand, with Howie Rose announcing he'll only do home games in 2026, the younger McCarthy will have even more airtime to showcase his talents and continue the family's broadcasting legacy.

The takeaway

The McCarthys' story is a testament to the power of baseball to both unite and divide families, as well as the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. Their journey reflects the deep-rooted regional rivalries and cultural significance of baseball fandom in New Jersey, where the Mets and Phillies have shaped the lives of countless families.