Howie Rose Expresses Gratitude to Mets Fans in Potential Farewell

Mets radio announcer Howie Rose, nearing the end of a nearly four-decade career, expressed profound gratitude to fans on Saturday, anticipating his potential final broadcast. With rain forecast for Sunday, the team's final home game and Rose's originally scheduled retirement ceremony are uncertain.

Rose, who has called games for the Mets for decades, treated Saturday's 10-3 win over the Phillies as if it were his last. "Whether we play tomorrow, or they play tomorrow or not, I just preemptively want to say how much you all mean to me," Rose stated after the game. If Sunday's game proceeds, the Mets plan to hold a retirement ceremony, and the first 15,000 attendees will receive a notebook and scorecard featuring Rose's signature "put it in the books" call.

Rose, a lifelong Mets fan who grew up attending games at Shea Stadium, connected with the fanbase during an emotional, nearly four-minute closing statement. He reflected on his own roots, stating, "Any one of you could sit where I’m sitting here in this booth because we have very similar backgrounds." He added, "I feel like I know you. And more importantly, I feel like you know me."

He drew a parallel to broadcasting legend Vin Scully, who once wrote, "I needed you more than you needed me." Rose explained that after reading comments from fans expressing their well wishes to him and his family, he now understands Scully's sentiment. "To hear the love that you’ve sent to my family and me, I think I know what Vin meant now," Rose said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Sunday's final game, Rose indicated that this would not be a complete departure. He anticipates being invited back for future events and potentially making guest appearances in the broadcast booth. "Just know that I love you all," he concluded, appearing to hold back tears.