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V O I C E S
& Broadcast Partners
I've enjoyed watching and listening to Mets games on bpthTV
and radio. The Mets broadcast their games locally on WOR-TV, Channel 9
in New York from the team's inception in 1962 until 1999. Presently the local station is CW11
(WPIX) which had previously been the longtime home of the Yankees. Interestingly, The Yankees are now
on Channel 9. Doesn;t seem right to me.
The majority of games today are broadcast on cable. Back in the late 70's, the Mets began broadcasting
a handful of games on the upstart Sportschannel. As the number of games increased and then after many years, the Mets
moved to the FOX owned FSNY, and then MSG.
In 2006, Mets owner, Fred Wilpon got into the broadcasting business, purchasing SNY (Sports New
York) which currently broadcasts all cable games.
Radio broadcasts shifted from station to station over the years going
from WINS 1010AM, WABC 77AM, WHN
1050AM and now WFAN 66AM.
The fan's closest relation to his team is through its broadcasters. The
Mets have had some of the very best in the business. The broadcaster is as integral to the team roster as the fiiery
shortstop, the slugging centerfielder, the ace pitcher, the plucky utility player or the closer. It's through these
broadcasters that we experience the game.
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THEN:
Murphy, Nelson, Kiner
The original Mets broadcast team of Lindsey Nelson, Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy worked both
radio and television broadcasts from 1962-1978. They were the longest run of any broadcasting team in baseball. .
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NOW:
Gary, Keith and Ron
The Mets SNY broadcast team: Gary Cohen,
Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling have been together since SNY went on the air in 2006. These guys are
great camradre and are recognized throughtout baseball as one of today's finest broadcast teams. Ralph Kiner usually
makes a cameo apperance once a week too!
MEET THE METS
ANNOUNCERS:
LINDSEY NELSON
(1962-1978)
(WOR (9) & Radio)
"WELL HELLO EVERYBODY......"
That's how Lindsey Nelson started out every broadcast for the Mets. The Tenesse
born Nelson, had a wonderfully friendly tone and that made for a nice welcome to Mets broadcasts. On television, Lindsey was
the announcer who bat lead off, and also usually worked the later innings too. As a kid I blamed Lindsey
for many a game the Mets lost in their last at bat! Lindsey gave the Mets credibility right off the bat as he was a
seasoned announcer even though his previous work had been primarily in broadcasting college football. Especially the
Cotton Bowl, and Notre Dame football.
Lindsey is probably best remembered for having worn the loudest and craziest jackets
ever! I don't know if he was trying to start a fashion trend or just get attention - but it was always a laugh
to see how outrageous his jackets were! I'm sure they worked wonders on radio, but there are no stats available
- even with the internet- as to how many televisons were broken from broadcasting those awful jackets!
After leaving the
Mets after the 1978 season, Lindsey broadcast games for the San Francisco Giants. In the summer of 1985, Lindsey was
in semi retirement, when Tom Seaver (then with the Chicago White Sox) was pitching against the Yankees seeking his 300th
career victory. WPIX, the Yankees station brought in Lindsey
Nelson as a surprise to call the final inning! Having Lindsey there made that moment even more special!
Many of his honors include an emmy award for life achievement; election to the Mets hall
of fame (with Murphy and Kiner in 1984); and election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. He died at the age
of 76, June 10th 1995
RALPH KINER
(1962-Present)
(WOR (9), FSNY, SNY, WBII, CW11 & Radio)
"If Casey Stengel
were alive today, he'd be spinning in his grave."
Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner was the 'jock' broadcaster in the
Mets booth back in the early days and has blossomed into one of the very best. He never fails to speak his mind when
he sees players not hustling. Though he was one of the greatest hitters of all time, he has admiration for today's hitters
unlike some of his colleagues. Ralph has a tendency to "mis-speak" and his maloprops have become legendary! Ralph
Kiner has the longest association with the Mets in team history as he continues to contribute to Mets telecasts making cameo
appearances once or twice a week on SNY broadcasts. In the Summer of 2007, the Mets honored Ralph with a tribute at
Shea Stadium. It was quite a night as fans and former players and colleagues joined in celebrating his work and stature
in the game and the hearts of the Mets organization and its fans..
Ralph was host of one of the longest running TV shows of all
time: "Kiners' Korner". This was the Mets recap show that aired after Mets telecasts for many
years on Channel 9 and occasionally on cable. The show was unique as its host and there are a great many stories of
those shows to share.
Ralph played for the Pirates, TIgers, and Cubs in a ten
year career. No body hit more homers than he during the era. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1975.
In 1984 he and fellow broadcast partners Lindsey Nelson and Bob Murphy were enshrined in the Mets Hall of Fame. In 1992,
Ralph published his autobiography, "Kiner's Korner".
A Night to Remember, NY Post Article
Kiner's Korner article from NY Times
Ralph Kiner stats courtesy of Baseballreference.com
BOB MURPHY
(1962-2003)
(WOR (9), Sportschannel, & WFAN Radio)
"We'll be back with the Happy Recap!"
Bob Murphy is the most beloved of all Mets broadcasters.
There will never be another "Murph". Bob worked for the Mets from their inception until his retirement after the
2003 season. While not a 'homer', Bob's voice always had an optimistc tone. For me, he was
the voice of hope. And back in the early days - heck even during winning seasons,the Mets needed his
optimism! This doesn't mean he didn't get frustrated at times. During a Mets-Phillies game in 1990, the Mets
squandered an 8 run lead in the ninth inning and narrowly won the game 10-9. After the the last play, Murph exclaimed,
"The Mets win....they win the damn thing!" The use of 'damn' was very uncharacteristic of Bob - but hey wer are
all human! Sometimes the Mets can be 'trying'!
After every Mets win, Bob would tell fans "We'll be back with the happy recap!" This would be his signature,
and one of the most endearing phrases in Mets lore.
Prior to becoming one of the original voices of the New York Mets, Bob worked for
the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Redsox where he teamed with Curt Gowdy. He joined the Mets for their inaugural
season in 1962 along with Lindsey Nelson and Ralph Kiner.
While all three worked both television and radio, things changed
in the early 80's and Bob was assigned to radio exclusively. Although from time to time, Murph would make cameo
appearences on tv. But it was on radio that Bob's talent truly lies. On radio the broadcaster has to paint
the whole picture of the game for the listenner. Bob Murphy would not only describe the game - but the
weather, especially if there were any scattered cumulus clouds in the vicinity!
Bob was on hand for so many moments in Mets history. Unlike most of his tv broadcast
parteners, being on radio, Murph also worked Mets playoff and world series games. Therefore, fans have been able to enjoy
Bob Murphy's call of Mookie Wilson's groundball that went trickling through Bill Buckner's legs in game 6 of the '86 World
Series!
Bob Murphy won the Ford Frick Award and was enshrined into
the Baseball Hall of Fame announcers wing in 1994.
Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy have the record for length of a
broadcasting career with one team, 42 years. The Mets honored them in 1984 by electing them along with
Lindsey Nelson, into the METS HALL OF FAME. In the 2000's the Mets named the Shea Stadium tv and radio booths in
their honor. this will be carried over to Citi Field.
Bob announced his retirement in 2003, and the Mets honored him at Shea Stadium on the last
home game of the season. It was a beautiful night at Shea for baseball and memories. Many former Mets came back
to honor Murphy. When Bob took the podium, he took a grateful audience on a tour of his memories as a Mets
broadcaster, highlighted by so many great moments in team history. He held us in the palm of his hand as no one re-tells
Mets history quite like Murphy. It was very emotional for me watching at home, but as he bid farewell, it was obvious
that he was as grateful to having us as his listeners and for the job he loved so much.
My friend Lou (a longtime Mets loyalist and one of the biggest
fans I know!) and I couldn't make "Bob Murphy Day", but in March of 2004, we were given bobbleheads that were given out that
night, when we showed up at Shea to buy our 'early bird' tickets!
Sadly, later in 2004 we learned that Bob Murphy had lung cancer. He died in August of
2004, less than a year from his retirement.
Thanks Bob for the Happy Recaps!
Here are links to a beautifully
written tribute by Mike Lupica of the Daily News & other tributes:
Bob Murphy Tribute on Mets.com
GARY COHEN
(1989-present)
(SNY-CW11, WFAN radio)
Gary Cohen is the new 'voice' of the Mets on the Mets' newly
owned SNY cable station. Like Howie Rose at WFAN, Gary is a lifelong Mets fan who grew up
listening to Lindsey, Ralph and Murph. How amazing was it that he would team up with Bob in the WFAN
reado booth before his current assignment? Must have been a dream come true! Gary had previously worked
for cbs sports, ESPN and had put in 17 years working for WFAN on Mets broadcasts. Gary had developed a good partnership
with Bob Murphy in the WFAN radio booth and now part of another great team with Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling and sometimes
Ralph Kiner.
RON DARLING
(2006-Present)
(SNY)
Ron Darling won 136 games in a 13 year MLB pitching career
with the Mets, Expos, and A's. After retirement, Ron went into banking, did some film work, and then got into broadcasting
for the Washington Nationals in 2005. The following year, he joined the Mets' SNY team as an analyst. He has received
considerable praise for his work with the Mets. Recently he also joined the TBS broadcast team for a weekly national
broadcast.
KEITH HERNANDEZ
(2002-Present)
(MSG/SNY/CW11)
Keith Hernandez, of the 1986 World Championship team brings
alot of his knowledge and passion for the game to his telecasts as well. Keith is quick to point out when the Mets have
made a poor effort or sloppy play. His knowlege of hitting and the game is an important element in kids of all
ages learning of the game. Keith's best known work since he retired as a player in 1990, is having been featured
in a 2 part episode of TV sitcom, "Seinfeld".
HOWIE ROSE
(WFAN-RADIO)
Howie has been a lifelong Mets fan and has become one of the
most sports broadcasters in the game. He works hockey for the Islanders and has also broadcast Basketball for the Nets
and St. Johns. In August of 1987, the Mets radio station , WHN changed call letters and format to an all new sports
talk station, WFAN 66AM. A pre and postgame talk show was created called, "METS EXTRA" which Rose hosted.
It was great to have an actual Mets fan host the show and he related to his audience immediately. One of the highlights
was a special edition which aired in Janaury 1992 the night that Tom Seaver was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Howie joined Bob Murphy and Gary Cohen in the Mets radio booth and also worked on cable
tv broadcasts. Nowadays, Howie is the radio voice of the Mets and punctures Mets wins with his signaure line, "Put
it in the books!"
ED COLEMAN
(WFAN BOOTH & METS EXTRA Host)
It's good to have an "Ed" in the booth! Ed Coleman succeeded
Howie Rose as host of the Mets pre-and post game radio show "Mets Extra" on WFAN 66AM. Ed also joins in the Mets
broadcast booth. Coleman also grew up as a Mets fan. Having 3 Mets fans in the booth is a tribute to how
well regarded Murphy, Nelson, Kiner are to Mets fans. I'm sure the have inspired others to get into the broadcast
game. Just as the current broadcast team will inspire the next generation. Baseball....keep passing
it on.......
TIM McCARVER
(1983-2000)
(WWOR-WB11)
"OH BABY I LOVE IT!" - Tim McCarver
Tim joined the Mets TV booth in 1983.
Speaking in a Tenessee twang, McCarver brought a keen sense of inteligence to Mets broadcasts. A retired Major League
Catcher, the broadcast booth was his classroom and he taught his audience the finer points of the game. This was welcome
to some point, but sometimes could be annoying as he tended to go into things in far greater detail than necessay. Tim
could also get obsessive about miniscule things sucb as wardrobe issues!
Tim Left the Mets in 1998 and continues
to be one of the most respected - and sometimes hated announcers in the game. He has authored several books including, "Oh
Baby I Love it".
Tim was a fine defensive catcher and playing primarily for the St. Louis
Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies. He was Steve Carlton's personal catcher.
TOM SEAVER
(2002-2005)
(WB11)
Former Mets great Tom Seaver came back to the Mets as a broadcaster
in 2002 for the WB11 telecasts. Tom worked with Gary Thorne on the WB and they were a fine team. Seaver
is not a great technical announcer, but he more than makes up for it as an analysis - particularly in discusssing pitching.
Of course being able to listen to Tom Seaver in my opinion is a great thrill. He is my hero and having Tom in the booth
is the best place the Mets could have him - other than on the mound or as a pitching coach!
Tom left the Mets broadcast booth after his contract ran out
in 2005 to tend to wine vineyard. He is producing a new line of wines that hopefully will be available in 2009.
.
FRAN HEALY
(Sportschannel, FSNY-MSG)
Fran is a former Major League catcher who played for the Giants,
Royals, and Yankees. He retired as a player in the late 70's joining Phil Rizzuto and Frank Messser in the Yankees broaccast
booth. It's hard to believe but Fran has been a member of the Mets broadcast team over 20 years and probably the most
recognizable voice in the cable tv era. Fran is a schmoozer, and most definately a homer. While you
knew that Murphy rooted for the Mets in his heart, he was able to be objective. I don't think Fran Healy has an
objective bone in his body.
In the late 80's and until the mid 90's, Fran was teamed up
with former Mets outfielder Rusty Staub in the broadcast booth. The two of them were comical as they seemed to be more
interested in the cookies supplied to them by Mets owner Fred Wilpon than calling the game!. I kind
of miss Rusty.
Fran hosted the Sportschannel/FSNY/MSG shows, "Pennant Chase"
and "Mets Inside Pitch" which were weekly highlights and news shows for the Mets. He did a good
job on these credible shows - that were far better than the current "Mets Weekly" on SNY.
The most memorable and hysterical aspect of Fran Healy's work
as an announcer is his relationship with Mets catcher Mike Piazza. Mike has been the big superstar since he came
to NY in a trade in 1998. Fran managed to get Piazza into every conversation and his overzealous enthusiasm
for Mike's play was hysterical if not a bit annoying. It may have even contributed to some of the 'gay' rumours surrounding
Piazza.
When the Mets began their own cable network, SNY, they did
not bring Healy along. Fran continues working for MSG hosting sports shows, especially "Game 365, and Halls of Fame".
I can't say that I miss Fran, but I smile more often in remembering him now than I did then.
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METS BROADCASTERS HISTORY
The following also contributed memorably to Mets television
and radio broadcasts:
Gary Thorne, Steve Albert, Steve Zabriskie, Art Shamsky,
Bud Harrelson, Rusty Staub, Matt Loughlin, Dave O'Brien, Tom McCarthy, Bob Gordshal, Lorn Brown, Ted Robinson, Todd
Kalas, Steve Lamar, Juan Alicea, Billy Berrora, and Max Perez Jimenez.
Broadcast temas year by year
Gary Cohen, Ron Darling, Keith Hernandez, Chris Cotter (TV)
Howie Rose, Tom McCarthy,
Ed Coleman (Radio)
Juan Alicea, Billy Berrora, Max Perez Jimenez (Spanish Radio) |
2006 |
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Gary Cohen, Ron Darling, Keith Hernandez, Ralph Kiner (TV)
Ed Coleman, Tom McCarthy, Howie Rose
(Radio)
Juan Alicea, Billy Berroa (Spanish TV) |
2005 |
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Gary Cohen, Howie Rose, Ed Coleman (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tom Seaver, Dave O'Brien, Ralph Kiner,
Keith Hernandez (TV)
Fran Healy, Ted Robinson, Keith Hernandez, Ralph Kiner, Matt Loughlin (cable TV) |
2004 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen, Ted Robinson, Howie Rose (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tom Seaver, Dave O'Brien,
Keith Hernandez (TV)
Fran Healy, Ted Robinson, Keith Hernandez, Ralph Kiner, Howie Rose, Matt Loughlin (cable TV) |
2003 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen, Ed Coleman, Ted Robinson (radio)
Tom Seaver, Gary Thorne (TV)
Ralph
Kiner, Howie Rose, Fran Healy, Matt Loughlin, Ted Robinson, Keith Hernandez (cable TV) |
2002 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen, Ed Coleman (radio)
Tom Seaver, Gary Thorne, Keith Hernandez (TV)
Ralph
Kiner, Howie Rose, Fran Healy, Matt Loughlin (cable TV) |
1999-2001 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen, Ed Coleman (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver, Gary Thorne (TV)
Ralph
Kiner, Howie Rose, Fran Healy, Matt Laughlin (cable TV) |
1996-98 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen, Howie Rose (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver, Gary Thorne (TV)
Ralph
Kiner, Fran Healy, Rusty Staub (cable TV) |
1994-95 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen, Todd Kalas (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver (TV)
Ralph Kiner, Fran
Healy, Rusty Staub (cable TV) |
1992-93 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver (TV)
Ralph Kiner, Fran Healy, Rusty
Staub (cable TV) |
1990-91 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver, Steve Zabriskie (TV)
Ralph Kiner,
Fran Healy, Rusty Staub (cable TV) |
1989 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Thorne (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver, Steve Zabriskie, Rusty Staub (TV)
Ralph
Kiner, Tim McCarver, Fran Healy (cable TV) |
1988 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Thorne (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver, Steve Zabriskie, Rusty Staub (TV)
Ralph
Kiner, Tim McCarver, Rusty Staub, Fran Healy (cable TV) |
1986-87 |
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Bob Murphy, Gary Thorne (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver, Steve Zabriskie (TV)
Ralph Kiner,
Tim McCarver, Fran Healy (cable TV) |
1985 |
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Bob Murphy, Steve LaMar (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver, Steve Zabriskie (TV)
Ralph Kiner,
Tim McCarver, Fran Healy (cable TV) |
1984 |
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Bob Murphy, Steve LaMar (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Tim McCarver, Steve Zabriskie (TV)
Ralph Kiner,
Tim McCarver, Bud Harrelson (cable TV) |
1983 |
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Bob Murphy, Steve LaMar (radio)
Ralph Kiner, Lorn Brown (TV & cable TV) |
1982 |
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Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy, Steve Albert, Art Shamsky (radio & cable TV)
Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy,
Steve Albert (TV) |
1981 |
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Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy, Steve Albert (radio & TV)
Art Shamsky, Bob Goldshall (cable TV) |
1980 |
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| Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy, Steve Albert (radio & TV) |
1979 |
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| Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy, Lindsey Nelson (radio & TV) |
1962-78 |
SNY Sportsnet New York Offical Site
Garykeithandron.com
WFAN 66 AM - Official Website
The Unauthorized Fan Website
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