Howie Rose called his last Mets game Sunday. The longtime radio voice retired after over three decades on the air.
What We Know: Rose joined Mets broadcasts in 1987 and became the club’s full-time radio play-by-play voice in 1995. Meanwhile, the Mets pushed his retirement ceremony to Opening Weekend 2027 because of inclement weather. Still, Sunday’s regular-season home finale against the Phillies went on as planned. As a result, fans chanted his name after the Beatles’ Hello, Goodbye played during the eighth inning.
What They Said: (All quotes via New York Mets Radio):
Howie Rose on his appreciation for the Mets fans: “I feel like I know you. More importantly, I feel like you know me. But what I feel more than anything is that we’ve been together for the entirety of my time in this booth. If I ever doubted that, or ever thought that maybe that was an exaggeration. Believe me, it’s hit home over these last couple of weeks with all the attention that this retirement announcement has somehow gotten.”
Howie Rose quoting Vin Scully regarding the relationship with the listening audience: “When I really reflect on it, I have to basically quote the best to ever do it, and that’s Vin Scully. I guess if you’re going to plagiarize anybody, you might as well plagiarize the best. When Vin retired just about a decade ago. He spoke to the fans, and he said, “You know, I needed you more than you ever needed me.” I didn’t understand that when he said it. But reading the comments to everything that’s been written, whether in the newspapers or online or broadcast anywhere else. To hear the love that you’ve sent to my family and me, I think I know what Vin meant now.”
Howie Rose says he will stay busy with ceremonial appearances: “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. They’ll dust me off here to do the various ceremonies, beginning with opening day and Mets Hall of Fame Day and number retirements. I’ll visit the booth from from time to time, as long as it’s in New York or Miami. My days of going to other places are just about over with. But just know that I love you all.”
What Remains Unclear: It’s not yet clear how the Mets will structure the postponed tribute at Opening Day 2027. Similarly, Rose hasn’t detailed how often he’ll appear at future ceremonies. Rose’s successor has also yet to be named by the organization.
What It Means: Rose’s departure closes a rare stretch of continuity in Mets history. Consequently, the booth now faces its first major change since 1995. Meanwhile, his farewell reflections, borrowed in part from Vin Scully, underscored how personally he took the bond with listeners. Ultimately, his voice will remain part of Mets ceremonies even after leaving the booth.
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