Legendary New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2026 baseball season.

Rose, who has been calling Mets games for nearly four decades, will be stepping aside once the season is completed.

'This year will be especially meaningful to me, because 2026 will be my final season in the Mets broadcast booth,' the 72-year-old said in a video released by the Mets.

'Now, trust me, I did not arrive at this decision to retire easily. I've been going back and forth in my mind about it for the last few years. 

'But the simple reality is that I'm 72 years old, and my wife Barbara, who has sacrificed so much for so long, deserves to have her husband around a little more often — whether she likes it or not.'

The native of Bayside, Queens told Newsday that he already planned to reduce his schedule to work only home games as well as the Mets' three away games in the 'Subway Series' against the Yankees.

Rose did commit to calling games on the road if the Mets qualified for the playoffs.

In recent years, Rose has been battling bladder cancer, leading to a reduced workload.

He had his bladder and prostate removed before they created a 'neobladder' from his intestines.

'I'm not planning on making a clean break,' Rose said, 'Hopefully I'll be involved now and then in some still-to-be-determined capacity, because for me letting go of the Mets isn't hard, it's impossible.

'And one of the biggest reasons for that is the bond that we've created with each other through all these years. The warmth, acceptance and, yes, love that you've shown me in so many ways for so long makes this all the more difficult, and I return those feelings in kind.'

Rose has been calling Mets games since 1987 - moving to television from 1996-2003 and then switching over to radio.

'For nearly four decades, Howie Rose's voice has been synonymous with New York Mets baseball,' Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a release. 

'His passion for the Mets has carried across the airwaves and into the homes and hearts of fans everywhere, bringing the franchise's most memorable moments to life.

'Generations of Mets fans have grown up listening to Howie call the game with authenticity, energy, and a deep appreciation for what this team means to our community. 

'We are grateful for the relationship we've built with Howie and for the dedication he has shown to the organization and our fans since 1987. 

'We congratulate Howie on an extraordinary career and wish him the very best as he begins this next chapter with his wife, Barbara, and their daughters, Alyssa and Chelsea.'

In addition to his work in baseball, Rose notably called hockey with the New York Islanders for over two decades. 

His most famous call was the New York Rangers' Game 7 victory over the New Jersey Devils in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals when Stephane Matteau scored a goal in double overtime to win the series and reach the Stanley Cup Final that ended their title drought.