Legendary Howie Rose, the longtime voice of the New York Mets, announced this past week that he will retire following the 2026 season, bringing an iconic broadcasting career to a close.
Rose has served as the Mets’ play-by-play announcer since 1996 and has been a constant presence for fans listening to games on the radio. His connection to the team runs even deeper, dating back to his childhood when he grew up watching games from the upper deck of Shea Stadium in the 1960s and early 1970s.
“Having grown up in Shea Stadium’s upper deck, my long career as a Mets broadcaster has been the epitome of ‘living the dream,’” Rose said in a statement. “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.”
Mets owners Steve Cohen and Alex Cohen also praised Rose’s impact on the franchise and its fan base. “For nearly four decades, Howie Rose’s voice has been synonymous with New York Mets baseball,” they said in a joint statement. “Generations of fans have grown up listening to him call the game with authenticity, energy, and a deep appreciation for what this team means to our community.”
Since 2004, Rose has been the primary radio voice of the Mets, becoming known for his signature call, “Put it in the books,” which punctuates each Mets victory. His voice has narrated many of the franchise’s most memorable moments, creating lasting connections with fans across generations.
A 2023 inductee into the New York Mets Hall of Fame, Rose has also played a prominent role beyond the broadcast booth, serving as emcee for major on-field ceremonies, including number retirements.
Before becoming the team’s lead play-by-play announcer, Rose began his Mets career in 1987, hosting pregame and postgame radio shows. A native of Bayside, Queens, his journey from fan to franchise voice has made his career all the more meaningful.
As he prepares for his final season, Mets fans will have one more year to enjoy the voice that has defined generations of baseball in New York.