Howie Rose Announces Retirement: A Look Back at His Legendary Broadcasting Career with the Mets
Longtime Mets broadcaster Howie Rose has announced his retirement after the 2026 season. Rose, who has been a fixture in the Mets radio booth since 2004 and previously served as their TV play-by-play voice, has been a part of Mets broadcasts since 1987. In a video released by the Mets, Rose expressed that the decision to retire was not made lightly, citing his age of 72 and the desire to spend more time with his wife, Barbara.
Rose revealed that he will be reducing his schedule for the current year, working only the 81 home games and the Mets' three games at Yankee Stadium. He also mentioned that he would be available for playoff games if the Mets qualify. This adjustment in his workload comes after Rose battled bladder cancer in 2021, which led to the removal of his bladder and prostate, with a "neobladder" created from the intestines.
While Rose is best known for his work with the Mets, his most iconic call came during the Rangers' Game 7 victory over the Devils in the conference finals, when Stephane Matteau scored the double-overtime winner. The memorable call of "Matteau, Matteau, Matteau!" captured the excitement of the moment and remains a highlight in Rose's broadcasting career. As he prepares to conclude his tenure in the Mets broadcast booth, Rose's contributions to sports broadcasting will be remembered and celebrated.