Don La Greca’s voice carried a different tone than usual on ESPN New York this week, as the longtime host reflected on the upcoming retirement of Howie Rose and what the veteran Mets radio voice has meant to him personally and professionally.
Speaking on Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg, La Greca moved beyond surface-level praise, offering a deeply personal perspective rooted in admiration that dates back to his earliest days as a fan. He described Rose as a foundational influence on his own path into broadcasting, recalling how listening to him as a young fan shaped his ambitions and ultimately helped guide his career.
“I wanted to do what Howie [Rose] was doing,” La Greca said, pointing to Rose’s early interactions with callers and his visible passion for the team. “I was just always infatuated with this guy that was a huge fan, and getting to call and being involved with the team that he loved.”
That admiration eventually evolved into a professional relationship, as La Greca entered the industry and developed a friendship with Rose. He emphasized that Rose’s willingness to share his time and insight made a lasting impact, especially during the formative years of his career.
“I always felt a kinship with Howie [Rose]. Then when I got into the business and we became friendly, he was a big help to me. because he went from radio to television and then back to radio again, and he was a talk show host,” said La Greca. “There were so many times I’d see him in arenas or at the stadium, and he was always so gracious with his time. I’m a fan, but I’m also a friend.”
While the mentorship remains intact, La Greca admitted the emotional weight of Rose’s decision to retire following the 2026 Mets season stems from something more permanent. For him, and for many listeners across New York, the idea of not hearing Rose call games represents a significant shift in the daily rhythm of following the team.
“Just to see that I’m not going to be able to hear him anymore, it was tough to take,” La Greca said. “To not turn on the radio and hear Howie Rose doing a Mets game is going to be very odd.”
La Greca’s reaction reflects a broader sentiment within the New York sports media landscape, where several iconic voices have stepped away in a relatively short period of time. He pointed to the recent retirements of John Sterling and Sam Rosen as part of a larger generational transition that has reshaped the city’s broadcasting identity.
“In the last calendar year, John Sterling retired, Sam Rosen retired, Howie Rose is retiring,” La Greca said. “We’re losing giants in this industry. Take a moment to appreciate them”
As Rose prepares for his final season in 2026, La Greca’s words served as both a tribute and a reminder that voices like his do not simply fade into the background. Instead, they leave behind a standard that shapes the next generation, just as Rose once did for a young fan who would grow up to share the same airwaves.
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