Howie Rose announced he is retiring at the end of the 2026 Mets season. The longtime broadcaster has been behind the mic for a myriad of signature sports moments across Mets, Rangers and Islanders games. Here are eight of his best calls.
1. Stéphane Matteau’s double-overtime game-winning goal in Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the Devils.
Matteau’s epic goal sent the Rangers into the Stanley Cup Final, where they would capture their first championship since 1940.
2. Shawn Bates’ penalty shot in Game 4 of the 2002 first round.
Bates became the first Islander to score on a penalty shot in the playoffs. He was the second American-born player and 13th NHL player overall to do so. The goal won the game for the Islanders and tied their first-round series against the Maple Leafs, 2-2, before Toronto won the series in seven.
3. Mike Piazza’s home run in the first baseball game in New York after Sept. 11.
After the horrific terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Mike Piazza homered in the first baseball game back in New York. His home run secured a 3-2 victory for the Mets in an emotional moment for the city.
4. Johan Santana throws the first no-hitter in Mets history.
On June 1, 2012, Santana threw the first no-hitter in the Mets’ 50-year franchise history. He did it on an unfathomable 134 pitches.
5. Mets win the 2015 NL pennant to reach the World Series
The Mets swept the Cubs in the 2015 NLCS, snapping a 15-year drought since their last National League pennant in 2000.
6. Pete Alonso’s go-ahead, ninth-inning home run in Game 3 of the 2024 NL Wild Card round.
Entering the ninth inning down 2-0, the Mets rallied to win the 2024 Wild Card against the Milwaukee Brewers. Alonso was the hero, hitting a go-ahead, three-run home run off Brewers closer Devin Williams.
7. Francisco Lindor’s grand slam in 2024 NLDS Game 4.
Entering the sixth inning down 1-0, Lindor hit a go-ahead grand slam in Game 4 of the 2024 NLDS. It was off Philadelphia Phillies closer Carlos Estévez, which led the Mets to their first NLCS appearance since 2015.
8. The Mets clinch the 2006 NL East title
In one of the best seasons in franchise history, the Mets clinched their first division title since 1988 with a 4-0 win over the Marlins on Sept. 18.
