The Mets inducted four new members into their Hall of Fame on Saturday, including broadcasters Gary Cohen and Howie Rose, former player Howard Johnson and pitcher Al Leiter. Former team owner Fred Wilpon, who watched the event from the audience, expressed pride in the inductees’ achievements. Wilpon sold the team to new owner Steven A. Cohen in 2020. Despite past team dysfunction, Wilpon believed in allowing the franchise’s voices to be heard, including those of the broadcasters Cohen and Rose. They were valued for their journalistic integrity and genuine fandom.
Rose, a native of Queens, joined the radio team in 1987 and returned to radio near the end of Bob Murphy’s tenure. He initially struggled with the medium but was reassured by Murphy’s encouraging words. Cohen, a Columbia student, joined the Mets in 1989 and has since made a name for himself with his engaging style and wit. Along with Mets alumni Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez, Cohen is a fan favorite, and they are often praised for being erudite and witty. They are a beloved part of the Mets family.
Leiter, who played for the Mets for seven seasons, also weighed in on the importance of broadcasting. As a fan and a player, he appreciated that broadcasters could be partial to the team, but he cautioned against being overly optimistic. He believed that fans could appreciate both support and honest analysis.
In addition to the broadcasters and former player, Jay Horwitz, the team publicist, was also honored. The inductees were celebrated for their contributions to the team’s history and legacy.
