Put Howie Rose’s career in the books.
The longtime Mets broadcaster, known for punctuating Mets victories with his “Put it in the books” trademark, announced Thursday that he will retire after the 2026 season.
Rose, 72, has been a part of the Mets radio booth since 2004 and previously was their TV play-by-play voice. He’s been a part of Mets broadcasts since 1987.
“This year will be especially meaningful to me, because 2026 will be my final season in the Mets broadcast booth,” Rose, a lifelong Mets fan from Bayside who went to Cardozo HS and Queens College, said in a video released by the Mets.
“Now, trust me, I did not arrive at this decision to retire easily. I’ve been going back and forth in my mind about it for the last few years. But the simple reality is that I’m 72 years old, and my wife Barbara, who has sacrificed so much for so long, deserves to have her husband around a little more often — whether she likes it or not.”
Rose recently told Newsday he was reducing his schedule this year to work only the 81 home games and the Mets’ three games at Yankee Stadium. He would travel for playoff games if the Mets make the postseason.
Part of the reason Rose has worked fewer games the last several years was due to the bladder cancer he was diagnosed with in 2021.
His bladder and prostate were removed, and a “neobladder” was created from the intestines.
“I’m not planning on making a clean break,” Rose said, “Hopefully I’ll be involved now and then in some still-to-be-determined capacity, because for me letting go of the Mets isn’t hard, it’s impossible. And one of the biggest reasons for that is the bond that we’ve created with each other through all these years. The warmth, acceptance and, yes, love that you’ve shown me in so many ways for so long makes this all the more difficult, and I return those feelings in kind.”
Rose called Mets games on television from 1996-2003 and then switched to radio, first calling games for WFAN before the broadcasts moved to 710 AM and then 880 AM.
“For nearly four decades, Howie Rose’s voice has been synonymous with New York Mets baseball,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a release. “His passion for the Mets has carried across the airwaves and into the homes and hearts of fans everywhere, bringing the franchise’s most memorable moments to life. Generations of Mets fans have grown up listening to Howie call the game with authenticity, energy, and a deep appreciation for what this team means to our community. We are grateful for the relationship we’ve built with Howie and for the dedication he has shown to the organization and our fans since 1987. We congratulate Howie on an extraordinary career and wish him the very best as he begins this next chapter with his wife, Barbara, and their daughters, Alyssa and Chelsea.”
Rose’s most famous call didn’t come in a Mets booth, but rather during the Rangers’ Game 7 win over the Devils in the conference finals when Stephane Matteau scored the double-overtime winner.
“Matteau behind the net … Swings it in front … He scores! Matteau, Matteau, Matteau! Stephane Matteau … And the Rangers have one more hill to climb, baby, but it’s Mount Vancouver! The Rangers are headed to the finals!” Rose said on the radio during the signature moment.
Rose was also the longtime TV voice of the Islanders from 1995-2016.
He is hoping to end his broadcasting run with a bang, trying to wish a World Series into existence.
“I’m always honored to start the season by MCing Opening Day at Citi Field,” Rose said. “This year in particular, I would like nothing better than to bookend that by serving as master of ceremonies on the steps of City Hall.”
