Legendary New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose has officially announced that he will retire at the end of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, concluding a remarkable broadcasting career that has spanned nearly four decades with the franchise.
A Difficult Decision After Years of Contemplation
In a heartfelt video released by the Mets organization, the 72-year-old Rose explained that reaching this retirement decision was not easy. "This year will be especially meaningful to me, because 2026 will be my final season in the Mets broadcast booth," Rose stated. "Now, trust me, I did not arrive at this decision to retire easily. I've been going back and forth in my mind about it for the last few years."
The broadcaster cited personal reasons for his choice, specifically mentioning his wife Barbara's sacrifices throughout his career. "But the simple reality is that I'm 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 said with characteristic humor.
Health Challenges and Reduced Schedule
Rose revealed to Newsday that he had already planned to reduce his broadcasting schedule for the upcoming season, working only home games plus the Mets' three away games in the Subway Series against their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees. He did commit to calling playoff games on the road should the Mets qualify for postseason play.
This reduced workload follows Rose's recent health battles with bladder cancer, which led to significant medical procedures including the removal of his bladder and prostate. Doctors created a "neobladder" from his intestines as part of his treatment and recovery process.
A Legacy That Will Continue in Some Capacity
Despite stepping away from full-time broadcasting duties, Rose emphasized that he doesn't plan to make a complete break from the organization. "I'm not planning on making a clean break," Rose explained. "Hopefully I'll be involved now and then in some still-to-be-determined capacity, because for me letting go of the Mets isn't hard, it's impossible."
Rose spoke emotionally about his connection with Mets fans throughout his career. "And one of the biggest reasons for that is the bond that we've created with each other through all these years. The warmth, acceptance and, yes, love that you've shown me in so many ways for so long makes this all the more difficult, and I return those feelings in kind."
Nearly Four Decades of Mets Broadcasting
Rose began calling Mets games in 1987 and has become synonymous with the franchise's broadcast coverage. He moved to television from 1996 to 2003 before switching to radio, where he has remained a fixture ever since. The native of Bayside, Queens has been the voice of countless memorable moments in Mets history.
Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen released a statement praising Rose's contributions: "For nearly four decades, Howie Rose's voice has been synonymous with New York Mets baseball. 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."
The statement continued: "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. We are grateful for the relationship we've built with Howie and for the dedication he has shown to the organization and our fans since 1987."
Beyond Baseball: A Storied Hockey Broadcasting Career
In addition to his baseball work, Rose built an impressive legacy in hockey broadcasting, calling New York Islanders games for over two decades. His most famous hockey moment came during the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals when he called Stephane Matteau's double-overtime goal for the New York Rangers against the New Jersey Devils in Game 7, a victory that propelled the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final and ended their championship drought.
The Mets organization concluded their statement by saying: "We congratulate Howie on an extraordinary career and wish him the very best as he begins this next chapter with his wife, Barbara, and their daughters, Alyssa and Chelsea."
