Trending Now - Mets Icon Howie Rose to Retire After Nearly 40 Seasons on Air
WHO:
Howie Rose, 72 years old, longtime New York Mets broadcaster
Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen
Lindsey Nelson, Bob Murphy, Ralph Kiner (previous Mets broadcasters)
WHAT:
Howie Rose announced on March 19th, 2026, that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season after nearly 40 years with the Mets.
Rose stated, "Excited as always about the beginning of another Mets season... 2026 will be my final season in the Mets broadcast booth."
Rose plans to work all Mets home games and three road matchups with the New York Yankees in 2026, as well as all home and away games during the postseason.
Howie Rose announced his retirement from the Mets radio booth at the end of the 2026 season.
Rose began his Mets broadcasting career in 1987 and has served as the lead play-by-play radio voice since 2006.
Rose was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2023.
Rose plans to work all Mets home games and three road matchups with the New York Yankees in 2026, as well as all home and away games during the postseason.
WHERE:
Shea Stadium (where Rose grew up attending games)
Citi Field (location of Mets on-field special events)
WHEN:
Rose's retirement will take effect at the end of the 2026 season.
Rose began his Mets broadcasting career in 1987.
Rose served as the play-by-play broadcaster for New York Rangers games from 1989 to 1995 and for the New York Islanders from 1995 to 2016.
WHY:
Rose mentioned, "the simple reality is that I'm 72 years old, and my wife Barbara... deserves to have her husband around a little more often."
Rose's retirement is influenced by his long career with the Mets and his desire to savor the 2026 season with fans.
Rose has faced health issues stemming from a battle with bladder cancer that began in 2021.
HOW:
Rose expressed that he will not be making a "clean break" and hopes to remain involved with the Mets in some capacity after his retirement.
Rose transitioned from a pregame and postgame host to the lead announcer in 1996, then returned to radio in 2004.
(UPDATED March 19, 2026 23:09 UTC)
Howie Rose announced last Monday that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season after nearly 40 years with the Mets, stating that 2026 will be his final season in the broadcast booth. At 72 years old, Rose explained that his wife Barbara deserves to have him around more often, but he plans to work all Mets home games and three road matchups with the Yankees, along with all postseason games. He also expressed a desire to remain involved with the Mets in some capacity after his retirement, indicating he won't be making a clean break.
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(UPDATED March 19, 2026 17:22 UTC)
Howie Rose, the beloved New York Mets broadcaster, has announced his retirement from the Mets radio booth at the end of the 2026 season after a remarkable career that began in 1987. Rose, who has been the lead play-by-play voice since 2006 and was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2023, plans to work all Mets home games and three road matchups against the New York Yankees this season. His decision comes after facing health challenges related to bladder cancer, and he hopes to cherish his final season with fans at Citi Field and Shea Stadium, where he grew up attending games.