Howie Rose

Howie Rose Biography

Howard Jeffrey Rose, known as Howie Rose, is a legendary American sportscaster best recognized as the longtime radio voice of the New York Mets baseball team. Famous for his encyclopedic knowledge of Mets history and his iconic catchphrase "Put it in the books!" at the end of every Mets victory, he has captivated fans since joining the Mets broadcast team in 1995. His passion for baseball, nurtured from childhood, has made him a beloved figure in New York sports broadcasting for over four decades.

Childhood

Howie Rose was born on February 13, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York City, to a Jewish family. Growing up in the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn and later Queens, his love for baseball ignited early; he attended his first game at Game 7 of the 1960 World Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees. When the Mets debuted in 1962 at Shea Stadium in Queens, young Howie became a devoted fan, regularly attending games and dreaming of a life immersed in the sport. His father, a Yankees supporter, encouraged his baseball fandom, shaping a lifelong dedication.

Education

Rose attended PS 205Q (The Alexander Graham Bell School) and Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens. He pursued higher education at Queens College, part of the City University of New York, graduating in 1977 with a degree that fueled his broadcasting ambitions. During his college years, he honed skills in communication and sports knowledge, preparing for a career in sports media through hands-on experiences and a deep passion for New York baseball.

Career

Rose launched his broadcasting journey in the mid-1970s with sports updates on Sports Phone, a dial-in service, followed by stints at WCBS-AM news radio. In 1977, he became Sports Director at WHN Radio, holding the role until 1983. He joined the Mets in 1987 hosting "Mets Extra" pre- and post-game shows on WHN and WFAN, transitioning to play-by-play in 1995 alongside Bob Murphy and Gary Cohen. From 1996, he also called TV games before focusing on radio, including stints on WOR (2014-2018) and WCBS (2019 onward). Beyond Mets, he co-hosted MLB Now on MLB Network with Brian Kenny and emceed major events like Citi Field openings and number retirement ceremonies for Mike Piazza, Keith Hernandez, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and David Wright. Recently, he announced retirement after the 2026 season.

Family Life

Howie Rose is married to his wife, Barbara, and they reside between Florida and Long Island's Woodbury. The couple has two adult daughters, Alyssa and Chelsea; Alyssa has appeared on the ABC soap opera "One Life to Live." Their family life reflects stability amid his demanding career, with Barbara providing steadfast support through decades of broadcasting travels and late-night games.

Achievements

Rose's illustrious career boasts induction into the Mets Hall of Fame and the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. He earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from Queens College in 2025 for his contributions to sports broadcasting. His mastery of Mets lore, signature phrases, and emceeing pivotal franchise moments have cemented his legacy as one of baseball's premier voices, spanning over 50 years in New York sports media.

Controversies

Throughout his extensive career, Howie Rose has maintained a clean public image, avoiding major controversies. Occasional fan debates over broadcast styles or game calls arise in the passionate Mets community, but none have escalated into scandals. His professionalism and focus on the game have kept him above reproach, earning universal respect from peers and listeners alike.

Howie Rose Summary

Howie Rose stands as an enduring icon in baseball broadcasting, from Brooklyn kid to Mets radio legend whose voice has narrated triumphs and heartbreaks for generations. With retirement looming after 2026, his "Put it in the books!" will echo eternally in fans' memories, marking a career defined by expertise, loyalty, and joy for the sport.