Howie Rose on his radio retirement, Mets memories in booth
Q: What will you miss most about broadcasting Mets games?
A: The camaraderie of the crew and the team, without question. I love the people I work with and I love the people on the team. It’s a wonderful group of people, and there’s a lot of joy in that. You know, we’ve been through some lean years in the last decade, but there’s been a lot of joy in that too, because you still got to see the growth and development of players, and there’s a lot of joy in that. And it’s all happened in a really good environment. Citi Field is a beautiful place to work, and there are so many great people that work there, and people who work for the team who are so accommodating and so kind. That’s what I’m going to miss the most.
Q: What are your plans for retirement?
A: I’m not entirely sure. I’ve got a couple of ideas, but I think the first order of business is to figure out how to retire. You know, I’ve been doing this for 33 years, and I’ve had this very set routine for 33 years, and I think it’s going to be a little bit of a challenge to figure out how to retire. But I have some interests, I have some hobbies that I’ve never been able to really fully explore. I love to read, I love to write, I love music, I love to cook. So I think I’m going to try to explore some of those things and see where it takes me.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind in the broadcasting world?
A: I hope that people remember me as a professional who loved his job, who loved the team he covered, and who always gave his best effort. I hope that people remember me as someone who was fair and honest in his commentary, and who always tried to bring joy to the game through his words. And most importantly, I hope that people remember me as someone who cared deeply about the fans and always tried to connect with them in a meaningful way. That’s all I could ask for.
Q: Any final thoughts as you head into your final season as a Mets broadcaster?
A: Just to say thank you to all the fans who have supported me over the years. It’s been an incredible journey, and I am so grateful for all the memories and experiences I’ve had along the way. I will miss this job, but I am excited for what the future holds. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me. Let’s go Mets!
After a long and illustrious career as a broadcaster for the New York Mets, Howie Rose has decided to hang up his microphone at the end of this year. In a recent interview, Rose opened up about the factors that led to his decision to retire. One of the main reasons cited by Rose was the toll that his busy schedule had taken on his personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Barbara. Rose expressed regret over the sacrifices his wife had made for him over the years, and he felt that it was time to prioritize her needs and desires.
Rose also reflected on some of the most exhilarating and heartbreaking moments he experienced in the broadcast booth. One of the standout moments for Rose was Johan Santana’s no-hitter, which left him in sheer disbelief. He also mentioned the night the Mets won the pennant in Chicago, a moment that gave him goosebumps and made him realize how far he had come in his broadcasting career. Rose also discussed some of the most heartbreaking moments, including Game 7 against St. Louis in the 2006 National League Championship Series and the epic collapse of the 2007 season.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Rose has formed friendships with iconic figures in the sports world, such as Rangers hockey player Stephane Matteau. Rose shared a humorous anecdote about playing golf with Matteau and celebrating his successful putt by shouting Matteau’s name in excitement. Rose also recalled Bartolo Colon’s unexpected home run in 2016, a moment that left him speechless and in awe of the unexpected feat.
Throughout his career, Rose has been deeply influenced by legendary figures in the sports world, such as Tom Seaver. Seaver, a beloved figure in Mets history, held a special place in Rose’s heart, and he fondly recalled an encounter with Seaver that left him feeling like a star-struck teenager.
As Howie Rose prepares to bid farewell to his broadcasting career with the Mets, fans and colleagues alike will remember him for his passion, dedication, and iconic calls that have become synonymous with Mets baseball. Rose’s decision to retire marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a broadcaster and storyteller will live on for years to come.
During a recent interview, Mets radio play-by-play announcer Howie Rose shared his thoughts and memories of various figures in the baseball world. When asked about Steve Cohen, the new owner of the Mets, Rose described him as incredibly kind and a gift to Mets fans. He also praised Mark Messier as an unparalleled leader.
Reflecting on former Mets players Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling, Rose spoke highly of their personalities. He described Hernandez as insightful and intelligent, both on and off the field, and noted that Darling always had something compelling to say.
When asked about former Mets managers, Rose had a range of experiences to share. He referred to Davey Johnson as his baseball mentor, someone who had a significant influence on his career. Rose also spoke fondly of Art Howe, calling him one of his favorite human beings in the game.
Discussing Terry Collins, Rose had nothing but praise for the former Mets manager. He described Collins as the greatest and shared that he enjoyed spending time with him, listening to baseball stories and sharing laughs.
When the conversation turned to other managers like Bobby Valentine and Buck Showalter, Rose shared his admiration for their baseball knowledge and personalities. He described Valentine as complex and brilliant, while noting that Showalter always had compelling opinions about the game.
Rose also shared his thoughts on current Mets figures like Carlos Mendoza and David Stearns. He described Mendoza as a breath of fresh air and a delight to know, while praising Stearns as a trustworthy individual who knows what he’s doing.
Throughout the interview, Rose expressed his affection for various individuals in the baseball world, from players and managers to front office personnel. He shared stories and memories of his interactions with each person, highlighting the impact they had on his career and his love for the game of baseball.
As the conversation came to a close, Rose reflected on what he would miss most about his time in the broadcast booth. He mentioned the people he worked with, including his fellow announcers and the Mets staff, expressing his gratitude for the relationships he had formed over the years. Overall, Howie Rose’s interview provided a glimpse into his deep connection to the Mets organization and the people who have made his broadcasting career so memorable.
As I reflect on my years as a broadcaster for the New York Mets, I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible adrenaline rush I still experience every time I announce, “From Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, welcome to New York Mets baseball.” This moment, when the figurative red light goes on and we take to the airwaves, never fails to ignite a thrill within me. Regardless of the team’s standings or the game’s significance, opening a broadcast always brings me a sense of excitement that I will truly miss.
As I approach my last broadcast, many have asked me how I will handle the iconic phrase, “Put it in the books.” While I haven’t quite figured that out yet, I know that it will be a bittersweet moment for me.
To all the Mets fans out there, I want to convey a message of gratitude and encouragement. I believe that each one of you has the potential to be in my position in the broadcast booth, as I once started out as a fan in the stands, deeply passionate about the New York Mets. We share a special connection as kindred spirits, and I urge you to pursue your dreams, whatever they may be. If your aspirations lead you to become a broadcaster in the major leagues, particularly for the Mets, I sincerely hope that you will one day take my place in the booth.
In conclusion, my time with the Mets has been a privilege and an honor, and I will carry the memories and experiences with me always. Thank you to the fans for your unwavering support, and may you all continue to follow your dreams with the same passion and dedication that defines the spirit of Mets baseball.
