Howie Rose, a longtime play-by-play commentator for the New York Mets, abruptly announced he would retire at the end of the 2026 season, ending one of the longest active careers in baseball announcing.
Since taking over for Bob Murphy in 2004, Rose, 72, has been the Mets’ main play-by-play analyst.
Rose will begin his 52nd year of broadcasting in 2026 after being elected to the Mets Hall of Fame in January of 2023.
On March 19, as word of Rose’s retirement went viral on social media, many people sent their respects.
Kelley Franco, host of Three Inning Fan, wrote on X, “Howie Rose, you’re the best in the business.” “Well done on your retirement.”
“Every game this season, Mets fans and baseball fans should thank Howie Rose for the great skills, warmth, and intelligence that he brings to his broadcasts,” researcher Bill Chuck wrote on X. “Let’s make it a great season for a great broadcaster.”
“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,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said of Rose, in a statement released by the team. “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.”
“Howie Rose is everything you want in a broadcaster,” Will Sammon of The Athletic wrote on X. “Prepared. Honest. Insightful. Curious. Informed. Entertaining. Every time, he meets the moment.”
Longtime broadcaster with the Yankees “I first met Howie Rose in 1987 when he was doing Mets pre and postgame,” Suzyn Waldman said to Anthony Rieber of Newsday. I wasn’t playing the games yet. And I recall that he would rehearse play by play in a little room located in the former WFAN studio. I’m not even sure if he is aware that I witnessed this. I don’t think people realize how hard Howie Rose worked to become a fantastic play-by-play broadcaster. I could see that he was listening to himself and criticizing himself. He would be in this small space.
“As good as it got, as good as it got.”
