WFAN host Evan Roberts didn’t hold back his emotions Thursday, offering a heartfelt and, at times, deeply personal reaction to the news that longtime New York Mets radio voice Howie Rose will retire following the 2026 season.
Speaking on Evan & Tiki, Roberts reflected on Rose’s impact not only as a broadcaster but as a defining presence for Mets fans, describing the veteran play-by-play announcer as someone whose voice became inseparable from the franchise’s biggest moments and everyday rhythms.
“I am going to miss him,” Roberts said. “As I was reading all of this, I was getting a little emotional. Because he is the voice of a franchise we love. A lot of us love. He has painted the word picture, as Bob Murphy so eloquently used to say on so many incredible moments.”
While Mets fans have experienced a wide range of highs and lows during Rose’s tenure, Roberts emphasized that the broadcaster’s steady delivery and descriptive storytelling consistently elevated the listening experience, allowing audiences to feel connected regardless of the outcome on the field.
At the same time, Roberts acknowledged the complicated emotions tied to the announcement, balancing admiration for Rose’s career with the realization that his time behind the microphone is nearing its end, which adds a layer of urgency and reflection to the seasons ahead.
“This is bittersweet,” Roberts said. “I’m going to miss the hell out of Howie Rose, but deepest congratulations to him on what has been a brilliant career. This season will be his final year calling New York Mets games.”
Rose, who has served as a defining soundtrack for Mets baseball since the mid-1990s, says he made the decision following several seasons of scaled-back responsibilities tied to ongoing health challenges and the physical demands of travel, which have increasingly shaped his workload and long-term outlook.
At 72, Rose acknowledged this spring that continuing full-time required adjustments. He cited the grind of a 162-game schedule and its rigors. As a result, he will not call road games during the regular season. He will focus exclusively on home broadcasts unless the Mets reach the postseason.
In addition to celebrating Rose’s longevity and excellence, Roberts highlighted what remains unfinished. He noted one milestone has eluded the veteran broadcaster despite several memorable postseason runs.
“I’ll put the pressure on,” Roberts said. “They got to win it all because Howie’s right. He has said this before, he has always said that one call he wants to make is the call of winning a championship. He’s come close. And like I mentioned, he’s had some great all-time calls.”
That perspective underscores the unique bond between Rose and the Mets fan base. His calls have narrated decades of baseball and shaped how those moments are remembered. They create a shared experience that extends far beyond the final score.
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