Longtime Mets broadcaster Howie Rose shared an emotional moment with his broadcast partner Gary Cohen during an inning of Tuesday's game against the Padres, marking a significant step toward Rose's retirement. Rose, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down after this season, appeared alongside Cohen in the SNY booth for an inning.
Cohen expressed his deep appreciation for Rose, calling him "the closest thing" to a brother and stating, "I treasure you. I really do."
Rose, who has been the voice of the Mets for three decades, also called games for the Islanders and was known for memorable calls for the Rangers. Following a battle with bladder cancer, Rose reduced his workload at WCBS Radio, focusing on home games and Subway Series contests against the Yankees.
During the segment, SNY analyst Keith Hernandez briefly entered the booth, creating a lighthearted moment before Rose and Cohen's heartfelt exchange. Hernandez appeared to retrieve his phone, which he had apparently forgotten.
While Rose is ending his full-time broadcasting career after this season, he has not ruled out occasional appearances. "I’m not saying I’ll never do another game after Sept. 20, but as a full-time thing, that’ll be it," Rose told Newsday.
SNY planned to air a documentary chronicling Rose's career after Tuesday's game.