Howie Rose, Beloved Longtime Mets Broadcaster, to Retire After the 2026 Season
Howie Rose to Retire Following 2026 Baseball Season
Longtime New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose, a notable figure in New York Rangers Stanley Cup history, has announced his retirement will take effect after the 2026 baseball season. Rose has made a lasting impact in the New York sports scene since joining the Mets’ broadcasts in 1987.
Despite not being a national media star, Rose has garnered a devoted following in the New York area, famously concluding each Mets victory with his signature phrase, “Put it in the books!”
In a video released by the team on Thursday, Rose discussed his decision to step down. “Trust me, I did not arrive at this decision to retire easily,” he stated. “I’ve been going back and forth in my mind about it for the last few years. But the simple reality is that I am 72 years old and my wife, Barbara, who has sacrificed so much for so long deserves to have her husband around a little more often – whether she likes it or not.”
Rose clarified that his retirement will not signify a complete exit from the Mets’ media presence; he plans to stay involved in a yet-to-be determined role. As a Queens native and a supporter of the Mets since their inaugural season in 1962, Rose expressed that it would be “impossible” to sever ties with the team.
Primarily serving as a radio voice since 2004, Rose previously handled play-by-play for the Mets’ television broadcasts. Since the establishment of the regional sports network SNY in 2006, the TV booth has been hosted by the well-regarded trio of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling.
Although his radio work reached a more niche audience compared to television, Rose has remained a beloved figure among fans, particularly those of the Rangers. Many can recite his iconic “Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!” call from 1994, which marked Stéphane Matteau’s winning goal that propelled the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final and their first NHL title in 54 years.
Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen praised Rose’s contributions, stating, “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.”
Rose’s retirement follows that of another prominent New York radio voice, John Sterling, who ended his play-by-play career with the New York Yankees in 2024.
