Longtime New York Mets radio host Howie Rose announced his intention to retire at the end of this season. The 72-year-old sports personality cited age and family as the main reasons for his decision.
“Times are getting short for that, at least as far as I’m concerned. So I got to hit the gas here, but there’s only so much I can control,” Rose said in a video posted to social media Thursday.
His announcement comes after he hinted that he would be slowing down the number of games he would be calling. Rose will not travel with the team this season and will only be behind the microphone for their 81 home games. However, he will be on call for both games of the “Subway Series” against the New York Yankees.
A Chance to Honor
Howie Rose has said that his father introduced him to baseball. His father also played a key role in his early life, but he never got to listen to him call games. Rose’s father passed away from Alzheimer’s in 1978.
“It kills me. I’ve carried around a little chip on my shoulder my entire life. I’ve always been somewhat bitter about that,” Rose added. “The bond that you have with your dad when you follow baseball together was so deep to me.”
Rose will retire at the end of his 40th season with the Mets. He was the host of “Mets Extra” for seven years. He later moved into television broadcasting before returning to radio in 2006.
“For him not to have shared any of it with me is something I’ll never get over. I know he’s proud,” Rose said of his late father.
Time Has Come
At 72 years old, “Father Time” has been catching up to Howie Rose. He has also dealt with health problems, including a bladder cancer scare in 2021. Most of all, he wants to enjoy the later years of his life with his wife.
“I’m sick and tired of coming home at 11, and Barbara is sitting at the kitchen table. I can’t do that to her anymore,” Rose continued. “My wife and daughter have sacrificed so much for so long.”
“I don’t want to be one of those guys where people say, ’ What’s he still doing on the air? I’ve got some other interests and will pursue them at the end of this season.”
Rose will end his partnership with co-hosts Keith Raad and Pat McCarthy. He grew up idolizing legends such as Bob Murphy, Lindsey Nelson and Ralph Kiner. His dream is to commentate on the Mets winning their first World Series since 1986.
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“I appreciate everyone with the Mets, and I hope this year ends up on the steps of Citi Hall,” Rose concluded.
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