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Longtime broadcaster Howie Rose announced Thursday that he will retire at the end of the season after being involved in New York Mets broadcasts since 1987.
Rose, 72, said the decision to retire didn’t come easily to him and was something he went back and forth on.
“Excited as always for the start of another Mets season. In fact, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of Mets broadcasts in one capacity or another since 1987. And each season has been unique and meaningful in its own way. This year, however, will be especially meaningful for me because 2026 will be my last season in the Mets broadcast booth,” Rose said in a video posted to Mets social media.
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New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose hosts the opening ceremonies before the Mets’ home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field in New York, New York on April 4, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
“Now, believe me, I didn’t come to this decision to retire easily. I’ve been thinking about it for a few years. 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 he won’t make a “clean break” and will still be involved after this season. He cited the love fans gave him for making letting go so difficult.
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New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose (left) speaks with team owner Steve Cohen on the field before a ceremony honoring first baseman Pete Alonso (not pictured) for breaking the Mets’ all-time record before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field in New York, New York, August 14, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
“I hope I’ll be involved from time to time in some capacity yet to be determined because for me, giving up the Mets isn’t hard. It’s impossible. And one of the biggest reasons for that is the bond we’ve created with each other over all these years. The warmth, the acceptance and, yes, the 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,” Rose said.
Rose said he will broadcast all of the Mets’ home games and those at Yankee Stadium, and if they make the playoffs, he will be at every game, home or away. He said he wanted nothing more than to see the Mets win the World Series in his senior year.
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New York Mets radio announcer Howie Rose applauds during a Mets Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Citi Field in New York, New York, August 1, 2010. (Kathy Willens, AP file/photo)
“I’m always honored to start the season by hosting Opening Day at Citi Field, but this year in particular, I would like nothing better than to end that by serving as Master of Ceremonies on the steps of City Hall after a trip to the Canyon of Heroes immediately after the season,” Rose said.
“It would make this dream I’ve been living complete.”
