Howie Rose is hanging up his microphone.
The longtime Mets broadcaster 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 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.
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 during the signature moment.
