After 40 years with the organization, 72-year-old New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose announced Thursday he will retire at the end of the 2026 season. Rose, who began his Mets career in 1987 and has served as lead play-by-play voice since 2006, called his broadcasting career "the epitome of 'Living the Dream'" in a statement released by the team.

Rose plans to work all Mets home games and their three road matchups against the Yankees this year, plus all postseason contests. The Queens native, who was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2023, also served as play-by-play voice for the Rangers from 1989-95 and Islanders from 1995-2016. The Mets have confirmed he will remain as master of ceremonies for special events at Citi Field.

"Letting go of the Mets isn't hard -- it's impossible," Rose said in a video posted by the team. The Mets owners praised Rose's "authenticity, energy, and deep appreciation for what this team means to our community" in their statement, acknowledging his role in bringing the franchise's most memorable moments to life across generations of fans. Rose's departure marks the end of an era for the franchise's broadcasting history.