What Happened to Howard Jeffrey Rose?

Howie Rose, born Howard Jeffrey Rose on February 13, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, has built a legendary career spanning over five decades in sports broadcasting. His journey began in 1975 as a contributor to SportsPhone, a telephone dial-in service for sports updates, which paved the way for roles at WCBS-AM and WHN Radio in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Rose's versatility quickly became evident as he transitioned to WFAN in 1987, becoming the original prime-time radio host and also serving as a pre- and post-game analyst for the New York Mets.

Rose's voice became synonymous with New York sports across multiple franchises. From 1989 to 1995, he was the radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Rangers, famously calling their 1994 Stanley Cup victory. He then moved to television, becoming the play-by-play voice for the New York Islanders from 1995 to 2016, earning two New York Emmy Awards for his hockey coverage. In 1995, he also began calling Mets games on radio and television, eventually becoming the lead radio play-by-play announcer in 2006, a position he has held on various stations including WFAN, WOR, and currently WCBS 880.

A significant turning point in Rose's career and personal life came in 2021 when he was diagnosed with bladder cancer after noticing blood in his urine during spring training. He underwent a radical cystoprostatectomy in September 2021, a surgery to remove his bladder and prostate, which was successful. This health challenge led him to begin cutting back his demanding schedule, reducing his games from a full season to approximately 100 games in 2022.

In the years following his surgery, Rose continued to manage his health while maintaining his broadcasting duties. He was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame on June 3, 2023, a testament to his enduring impact on the franchise. As of February 2026, he further reduced his regular-season workload to 84 games, specifically all 81 home games and three Subway Series games, eliminating all regular-season travel to manage the 'grind' of broadcasting. He expressed a desire to continue until the Mets win a World Series, but acknowledged taking it year by year.

On March 19, 2026, Howie Rose officially announced that the 2026 MLB season would be his final one as the radio voice of the New York Mets. While he plans to retire from his full-time role, he expressed hope for occasional involvement with the Mets in a yet-to-be-determined capacity, stating that "letting go of the Mets isn't hard, it's impossible." His decision, made at age 72, was influenced by his desire to spend more time with his wife, Barbara, who has made significant sacrifices throughout his career. Rose's retirement marks the end of an era for New York sports fans, who have cherished his insightful commentary, historical knowledge, and signature calls, such as "Put it in the books!" after a Mets victory.