Mets Iconic Radio Announcer Howie Rose to Retire After 2026 Season

Rose has been the voice of Mets baseball for nearly four decades.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:51pm

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Longtime New York Mets radio broadcaster Howie Rose has announced that he will retire after the 2026 MLB season. Rose, a 72-year-old Queens native, has broadcast Mets games in varying capacities since 1987 and has been a full-time radio announcer since 2004. He will not call any Mets road games during the 2026 regular season but will continue his familiar role for home games.

Why it matters

Howie Rose's retirement marks the end of an era for Mets fans, as his voice has been synonymous with the team for generations. Rose is considered one of the most iconic and beloved broadcasters in Mets history, known for his passion, authenticity, and ability to bring the team's most memorable moments to life.

The details

Rose, who was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2023, has also been honored by the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame, and the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame. In addition to his work with the Mets, he has also served as an announcer for Rangers and Islanders games and is known for his catchphrase "Put it in the books" when calling Mets wins.

  • Howie Rose will retire after the 2026 MLB season.
  • Rose has been a Mets broadcaster since 1987, transitioning to full-time radio in 2004.

The players

Howie Rose

A 72-year-old Queens native who has been the voice of Mets baseball for nearly four decades, announcing games in varying capacities since 1987 and as a full-time radio announcer since 2004.

Steve and Alex Cohen

The owners of the New York Mets, who praised Rose's passion for the team and his ability to bring the franchise's most memorable moments to life for generations of fans.

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What they’re saying

“Having grown up in Shea Stadium's upper deck in the 1960s and early 1970s, my long career as a Mets broadcaster has been the epitome of 'Living the Dream.' I have been honored and blessed to follow the lineage of Lindsey Nelson, Bob Murphy and Ralph Kiner and I look forward to savoring and sharing every moment of the 2026 season with the greatest fans in baseball.”

— Howie Rose

“For nearly four decades, Howie Rose's voice has been synonymous with New York Mets baseball. His passion for the Mets has carried across the airwaves and into the homes and hearts of fans everywhere, bringing the franchise's most memorable moments to life. Generations of Mets fans have grown up listening to Howie call the game with authenticity, energy, and a deep appreciation for what this team means to our community. We are grateful for the relationship we've built with Howie and for the dedication he has shown to the organization and our fans since 1987. We congratulate Howie on an extraordinary career and wish him the very best as he begins this next chapter with his wife, Barbara, and their daughters, Alyssa and Chelsea.”

— Steve and Alex Cohen, Mets Owners

What’s next

In 2026, Rose will not call any Mets road games during the regular season but will continue his familiar role for Mets home games.

The takeaway

Howie Rose's retirement marks the end of an era for Mets fans, as his iconic voice and passion for the team have been a constant presence for generations. His legacy as one of the most beloved broadcasters in Mets history will continue to be celebrated by the organization and its loyal fanbase.