Mets Rookie Hits First MLB Home Run on Howie Rose's Final Opening Day

Carson Benge's solo shot in the 6th inning highlighted a special day for the Mets and veteran broadcaster Howie Rose.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:33am

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In his MLB debut, Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge hit a solo home run in the 6th inning to help the Mets defeat the Pirates 11-7 on Opening Day. The home run call was made by longtime Mets broadcaster Howie Rose, who announced this would be his final season in the booth.

Why it matters

Benge's first career home run was a feel-good moment for the Mets and their fans, while Rose's call of the play marked the end of an era for the beloved broadcaster who has been the voice of the Mets for decades.

The details

Facing Pirates reliever Justin Lawrence, Benge clobbered a first-pitch sweeper and sent it over the right-center field wall at 105.3 mph. Rose's call of the play-by-play captured the excitement of Benge's milestone moment.

  • On March 26, 2026, the Mets defeated the Pirates 11-7 on Opening Day.
  • In the bottom of the 6th inning, rookie Carson Benge hit his first career MLB home run.

The players

Carson Benge

A top Mets position player prospect who made his MLB debut on Opening Day, hitting a solo home run in the 6th inning.

Howie Rose

The longtime Mets broadcaster who announced this would be his final season calling games for the team.

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What they’re saying

“First pitch, Benge hits it in the air to right field, fairly deep, [Ryan] O'Hearn back, at the wall and it's gone! He hit it off the canopy in the right field bullpen. Carson Benge makes his first major league hit a home run. Congratulations to Carson Benge as he gets an enthusiastic pat on the back from third base coach Tim Leiper, an aggressive fist bump from Francisco Alvarez and they're waiting to congratulate the kid in the dugout.”

— Howie Rose, Mets Broadcaster

What’s next

Rose will continue to call Mets games throughout the 2026 season before retiring from broadcasting.

The takeaway

Benge's first career home run on Howie Rose's final Opening Day broadcast was a poignant moment that encapsulated the passing of the torch from a legendary broadcaster to a promising young Mets player, symbolizing the team's transition to a new era.