Legendary New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose has announced he will retire at the end of the 2026 baseball season, ending a nearly four-decade career calling games for the team.
The 72-year-old, who has been with the Mets since 1987, said in a video released by the club that the decision was difficult but driven by a desire to spend more time with his wife, Barbara. 'My wife, who has sacrificed so much for so long, deserves to have her husband around a little more often — whether she likes it or not,' he said.
Rose, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in recent years and underwent surgery to remove his bladder and prostate, has already reduced his workload. He plans to call only home games and the Mets' three away games against the Yankees in the Subway Series, though he will travel for playoff games if the team qualifies.
Rose began calling Mets games in 1987 on radio, moved to television from 1996 to 2003, then returned to radio. Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen praised his contributions, saying, 'For nearly four decades, Howie Rose's voice has been synonymous with New York Mets baseball.'
Beyond baseball, Rose called hockey for the New York Islanders for over two decades and is famous for his call of the Rangers' 1994 Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 victory.
