After more than three decades behind the microphone, one of the most recognizable voices in New York Mets history is preparing to sign off for good.
Apr 15, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets radio broadcaster Howie Rose serves as master of ceremonies during the Tom Seaver Statue unveiling ceremony prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Longtime radio play-by-play announcer Howie Rose has announced that the 2026 season will be his last, bringing an end to a broadcasting career that has become deeply intertwined with the franchise itself.
For generations of Mets fans, Rose hasn’t just called games—he’s defined them.
Now 72, Rose has been a staple of Mets broadcasts since 1995, working across both radio and television during his tenure. His career in sports media stretches back even further, beginning in the mid-1970s and including notable work in hockey, where he called games for both the New York Rangers and New York Islanders.
But it’s his voice on Mets broadcasts that left the most lasting mark.
In a statement, team owners Steve and Alex Cohen praised Rose for the way he brought the game to life, noting how his passion and authenticity resonated with fans across generations. His ability to capture both the emotion and significance of key moments made him a constant presence in the lives of Mets supporters.
And there have been plenty of those moments.
From Mike Piazza’s unforgettable home run in the first game in New York following 9/11, to the Mets’ 2015 pennant run, to Pete Alonso’s postseason heroics in 2024, Rose was there—his voice providing the soundtrack to some of the franchise’s most meaningful memories.
Of course, no call was more synonymous with Rose than his signature sign-off after a Mets win:
“Put it in the books!”
It became more than just a phrase—it was a ritual for fans celebrating another victory.
In recent years, Rose had already begun scaling back his workload due to health concerns, including a battle with bladder cancer in 2021. Travel became more challenging, leading to a reduced schedule and the decision that he will not call most road games during his final season, aside from select matchups and potential postseason appearances.
Even beyond the broadcast booth, his presence has been felt throughout the organization.
Rose has served as the master of ceremonies for countless team events, from Opening Day introductions to number retirement ceremonies honoring franchise legends like Mike Piazza, David Wright, and others. His voice has been part of the fabric of Mets history both on and off the field.
Now, he gets one final season to do what he’s done better than almost anyone.
Call the game.
And when the final out is recorded on his career, it won’t just mark the end of a broadcasting run—it will close the chapter on an era that helped define what Mets baseball sounds like.
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