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Gary Cohen

Gary Cohen
Cohen
Gary Cohen
Born: April 29, 1958


Gary Cohen has been the most popular Ultimate Mets Database daily lookup 12 times, most recently on September 5, 2016.

Non-playing roles with Mets
  • Broadcaster 1989 - 2014
  • Broadcaster: Television 2015 - 2022

Share your memories of Gary Cohen

HERE IS WHAT OTHER METS FANS HAVE TO SAY:

Mr. Sparkle
April 25, 2002
Gary is awesome. Calls a great game. I love listening to him. I don't love his home run call- "back to the wall, looking up, it's outta here!" But I guess it's his signature. Other than that I think he's the perfect compliment to the Murph.

Jon
April 25, 2002
I really enjoy his broadcasts -- he's always on his toes and he tells it like it is. Just tonight (April 24, 2002) he called Payton missing second base as it happened -- I don't know whther the TV announcers got it then too, but I know the cameramen/TV director didn't. And he didn't hesitate to chastise Payton for it afterward.

HO-JO
April 29, 2002
Oh come on, his home run call is the best.

"SWING AND A DRIVE, DEEP DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE TOWARDS THE CORNER ITS OUTTA HERE! OUTTA HERE! MIKE PIAZZA WITH A LINE DRIVE 3-RUN HOMER." - 6/30 vs. Atlanta or...

"HIGH FLY BALL...DEEP LEFT FIELD...BACK GOES BONDS...LOOKING UP AT THE WALL...THAT BALL IS...OUTTA HERE...OUTTA HERE...THE METS WIN THE BALL GAME!" - 2000 NLDS GAME 3 vs. San Francisco.

I can tell by the the tone in his voice on the radio what's happening on the field. He's a great announcer. With Bob Murphy next to him, they're simply the best.

Jim Snedeker
May 2, 2002
Gary's really good. When he first started I was skeptical that someone with such a bland name could be a good sportscaster, but I have since repented for that sin. (After all, how much more bland can you get than "Bob Murphy"--and look what a god he has become!)

Anyway, you know you're in good hands when Gary is talking. He knows how to run a broadcast, and make it fun, enjoyable and exciting. I'll never forget him calling Pratt's HR against the D'backs--his voice went up about three octaves!

NJTank
May 18, 2002
His HR call is great. When ever there is a big HR I listen to Mets Extra whether I watched the game on TV or listened on the radio. When the HR is called by Bob Murphy it ends up being a bit of a disapointment, because I wanted to hear "It's Outta Here."

Richard
May 29, 2002
I am so happy to have Gary in the Mets radio booth. His pop culture references are classic. Being in his early 40's,we can all look forward to hearing Gary's "It's Out-ta Here" , and "Back to talk about it" for the next 40 years, God willing. Gary will be a wonderful eventual successor as senior man in the booth, after "Murph" decides to retire.

John Burgeson
August 29, 2002
Even though I'm a Yankees fan, I'll often tune into WFAN just to hear Gary Cohen, who I feel is one of the great sportcasters of all time. He's an announcer who has his priorities in the right place, which is to put the integrity of the game first and the Mets second. Decades from now, I hope there's a place for him at Cooperstown.

Gregory Gewirtz
April 9, 2003
Cohen's the best announcer in baseball as far as I'm concerned.

Late in the 1998 season, I remember the intensity in his voice in several pivotal moments in late games, like Mike Piazza hitting a three run homer in the top of the ninth off Billy Wagner to give us a 3-2 lead at the Astrodome (a great four game series - lots of Mets comebacks), or John Franco striking out Marlins catcher Mike Redmond at Shea on a full count with the winning runs on base.

His chemistry with Ed Coleman was well exhibited during rain delays. Early in the 1998 season, the Mets were rained out several times, including a rare rainout in San Diego. Cohen and Coleman kept getting reports that there would be a "window" in which the rain would let up, and the game could start. Cohen got so fed up with the long delay, before the game was eventually canceled that he said "There's a window, but there's bars on it, and nobody's getting out." Good line. The pair were funny when they mocked the San Diego groundscrew for seeming inept - how often do they need to drape the field with a tarp?

Angela McGovern
April 23, 2003
I feel so lucky as a Mets fan to have Gary Cohen in the booth along with Murph! He calls the game like it is and is brutally honest. He has a signature home run call that to me is hands down the best but he doesn't force the call and lie about the type of home run just to fit the call(it is high...) I also love his pop culture references. Just the other night during the game he asked the producer, the 'immortal' Chris Majakowski(I think) who got booted off on American Idol. Hope he's around for a very long time!!

Steven Visintainer
June 8, 2003
Without a doubt the best in the business here in New York. Unfortunately, he does not get the spotlight he deserves because of the performance of the team. Sterling over in the Bronx needs constant annoying schtick on home run calls to get noticed.

Cohen calls it like it is, is quick, accurate, and intelligent. He's all baseball. The Mets will have a resurgance in future years. I'm glad Cohen will be there to call it.

Annie
September 14, 2003
Simply put, Gary Cohen is the best there is. Murph has lost a couple of steps in recent years, but in his prime, he was wonderful and deserves his place in Cooperstown. I look forward to the day when Gary Cohen takes his place in the Hall.

Yes, Cohen grew up a Mets fan, but he never lets that get in the way of his journalistic integrity. If someone needs to be criticized, he will criticize that person. He's not stingy with praise, but does not praise players simply for being Mets.

It appears to me that Yankee fans, with all the success their team has had, require announcers who are shills for the team (Sterling, Kay, Rizzuto, Mercer, Waldman, etc.). I've heard Yankee fans complain that certain announcers aren't pro-Yankee enough. Mets fans, on the other hand, seem to appreciate announcers who tell it like it is, rather than what they want it to be.

Steve Rogers
February 10, 2004
I have a funny Cohen moment.

To set this up, I wrote an article for my local town newspapper on Ed Coleman, who lives in my home town

After the article came out I saw that my editor talked with Gary Cohen and he is quoted in the article. I went up to the Diamond Club, and then went into the row near the booth and ran into Gary Cohen. I tried to explain who I was and thank Gary for helping but Gary simply said, "I'm sorry I don't have any recollection of doing anything like that." Sure it's slightly better than the usual BS that people give about remembering a single event out of everything they do on a regular basis, but considering this was an actual article in an actual newspaper with my byline on it, I literally felt quite ill as he said it.

Granted this was before a game and at least Gary was honest enough not to give a BS reply but my paranoia set in and I actually demanded that my editor turn over his notes!

Well my worst fears aside, Gary's memories were jogged when I came up with a copy of the article for him and Ed to sign.

Jim Snedeker
September 8, 2004
I just realized one of the most important differences between Bob Murphy and Gary Cohen.

Even when the Mets were playing lousy (like in the late 70s), because Bob never said anything bad about them, you didn't mind listening. In other words, they lost a lot, but you didn't really think of them as terrible. They always had a chance.

With Gary, he tells it the way it is. If the Mets are playing poorly, he says so. If they make boneheaded plays, he says so. And for me, it makes me want to tune in less. I don't relish the thought of listening to a game played by fools.

As good as Gary is, it's for this reason I think Bob may have been better for the team. With Gary, you know how bad they are. With Bob, you didn't.

P.S. I think Gary looks much better with his head shaved!

Jonathan Stern
December 27, 2004
Careful, Jim Snedeker! Yours is the only remotely negative remark on this website re the great Gary Cohen (yeah, you leaven it with some good words, too). I certainly hope that the Mets are not maintaining a quota of negative remarks on him. Cohen is no Fran Healy, if you know what I mean.

The Murph was no Fran Healy either. He got his hacks in from time to time. Maybe he, unlike Cohen, made every Mets game sound like a distinguished, perhaps celestial event. Cohen has a special relationship with fans that makes his admittedly harder take endearing - and makes us want to listen. Murph was like a "Voice of God." Cohen is the guy with whom you want to talk Mets baseball more than anyone else. Both men's broadcasting styles are as valid as they are great.

blue and orange 4 ever
March 21, 2006
A tremendous announcer who now has moved over to the TV side. Too bad since most people in the NY area who have Cablevision won't get to hear him anymore.

Jonathan Stern
March 29, 2006
The whole Cablevision business is settled and now we all should get the new station. I have seen a few games and Gary Cohen has made a perfect transition to TV. The regular season cannot start soon enough for me.

Mike Slane
April 8, 2006
Gary, I love your work, but, please don't give results like American Idol, Mandessa being knocked out. I live in San Diego and the other night you ruined it for me! Remember, Mets Fans are all over the country! Thanks and Let's Go Mets!

Killer K
April 12, 2006
I am the only one a little bit miffed that Gary now calls games for TV instead of radio? Being that my time as a Mets fan began after Bob Murphy had slipped from his status as a great announcer, and Gary had pretty much taken completely over, Cohen has become my version of "the voice of summer." I'm also of the opinion that baseball is a superior sport to listen to on radio as opposed to watching on television. Gary is easily one of the most gifted and talented broadcasters in the entire game, and I feel that putting him on TV shortchanges his full value to Mets fans. Admittedly, I haven't listened to the radio yet this year (I'm in Ireland through May), and Gary has been doing fine on TV (do receive MLBtv), but I'm sorry to see the best broadcaster of my baseball experience placed in a medium that does not utilize his full talents.

Phil Tuck
May 10, 2006
As a broadcast engineer, it was my great pleasure to work with Gary during his "up and coming" years in Spartanburg, S.C. Even then, we knew he had "it" and his success has been anything but surprising. And, like a lot of the very talented people I've been fortunate enough to work with, he's a nicer guy than he is a broadcaster. In fact, I voted to hire him based on the way he rolled up an extension cord after a broadcast. That level of detail and professionalism spoke volumes to me about his character. When I worked with him, he had a full head of hair and, brace yourself, a full beard! Of course, back in those days, I had hair myself.... I'd wish him good luck, but luck has had nothing to do with him getting where he is today. Talent and plain hard, honest work have been the keys to his much deserved success. See you at the Beacon, Gary!

Luka
May 31, 2006
I think it was a good move putting Gary Cohen on TV. That way, when he gets the call wrong, you can at least see what's really happening. His phony enthusiasm along with mis-calling of almost every play was bad on the radio, but less so on TV. When he screams out "BASE HIT!!!" and I'm watching a double play, I don't get as perturbed as I used to when listening to it on the radio. Hey SNY, please hire some real announcers.

Dave
June 4, 2006
Hands down one of the most enthusiastic and best broadcasters I have ever heard. He puts so much effort in calling the game. He is amazing! And I love how he starts conversations about past times during innings which makes it much more interesesting and intruging. I love him.

Albert
June 9, 2006
Well, now he's on T.V., and I must say that he's really made a fine transition. You may not get the same benefits that you do on the radio, but he's still the best.

Joe Figliola
June 14, 2006
No doubt, Gary's one of the best broadcasters around. However, in his transition to the TV booth, he has to work on his wardrobe. Earlier this season, he wore one of the ugliest pinstripe suits I ever saw. In my opinion, pinstripe suits are one of the most ridiculous outfits one can wear in any environment (in Gary's case, he looked like he stepped off the set of "Bonnie and Clyde"). The only time pinstripes look great is when it's on a Mets uniform!

Oscar
August 2, 2006
Gary Cohen is the best broadcaster in baseball period. I have been a die hard baseball fan since the beginning of the 1999 MLB season and I was not sure who to follow, the Yanks or the Mets. Not until I heard Gary’s awesome voice, there was not a doubt in my mind! And I’ve been a die hard Met fan ever since. The tension he creates in the game is amazing and the word paint picture is indescribable. I was real saddened when I heard he would leave from the TV booth, since I end up listening to the radio more than TV. I hope one day he will return to the radio booth. Hey Trevor, tell your dad he’s greatest ever. And BTW I know I’m about three years late but mazel tov on your Bar Mitzvah! (Happy 15th for now.)

Joe
September 8, 2006
I have been a Mets fan since I first saw them play in July 1966. I live 5 miles West of Manhattan and me and all my friends grew up Mets fans. We have lived and died with the team for 40 years now. They have never had an announcer as good as Gary Cohen. Everything from his voice, delivery, knowledge of the game, love of the Mets, and interesting commentary is just perfect. This guy was born to do this job. I have no idea how anyone can knock him. He is professional, and also very personable and I don't find him offensive in any way. The Mets are blessed to have him, Keith and Darling.

Bob K.
September 23, 2006
No one can question Gary's skill or knowledge of the game and the Mets. No one is better at using changes of tone to convey the evolving drama of a play. When I hear anyone else call a game on the radio, I too often find myself not knowing whether a fly ball is just a can of corn or potentially something grander, until it's all over. With Gary, there are few surprises. You feel yourself to be right there at the park, watching with your mind's eye every step of the way, because his voice so accurately conveys the uncertainties of the play as it develops. He is, quite simply, the gold standard.

Beyond that, I particularly appreciated his patience and respect for Bob Murphy in the final years of Murphy's career with the Mets. As much as we all still loved him, Murph was clearly in decline by then, either failing to see or badly misjudging a play. But no matter how badly Murph may have missed a call, Gary never showed the slightest sign of impatience or disrespect. Gary is the best.

tzvi leff
October 1, 2006
Gary Cohen is awesome on the radio and is even better on tv! Way to go! Hall of fame anyone? My best moment is when I ran into him at a pizza shop. We spent a half hour talking Mets basesball. To talk to the number 1 Met fan of all time was awesome and I hope to meet him again.

Yani Pigott
June 7, 2007
I'm a die hard Yankees fan from NJ, but I must say, Gary Cohen is a brilliant announcer.

Scott Abrams
October 6, 2008
Gary Cohen is the best. My favorite moment was in 1997 when the Mets scored 6 runs to tie the game from a 6-0 9th inning deficit. "Fly Ball, deep left center field, YES YES! Carl Everett Grand Slam."

My second favorite was when they scored 5 in the ninth off of Schilling when he was on the Phillies. "Olerud, the Slide.... YES! The Mets scored 5 in the ninth against SCHILLING!"

David
April 5, 2011
After being so biased over the years for Murph, I didn't think anyone could replace him, but Gary Cohen makes any baseball game enjoyable. He is an utter joy to listen to with Seton Hall Basketball as well. And please consider donating to the great charity efforts his wife, Gary, Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez support!

Jonathan Stern
April 27, 2011
As you can see from my above comments, I have long been a big Gary Cohen fan. That said, during the previous three seasons or so, I was somewhat disappointed in his SNY work. He giggled too much over things that weren't funny and his high-pitched shrieking seemed excessive to me, especially during early-season games (if you go crazy during an April game, you leave yourself with nowhere to go in a big September game). I also was bothered by Cohen's and Keith Hernandez's complaining about having to call extra innings and their bragging about getting days off. Like many of you, I would give my right arm to be where they are and I found such talk tough to take.

Well, I am happy to say that it appears that I was not the only one who found fault with Cohen's performance. It seems that Cohen might have gotten the message from someone that he could have been doing a better job. Now, in 2011, Cohen has toned down his act considerably and is back to broadcasting with the same professional and intelligent manner that we heard during his great days on WFAN. He is calling the game rather than being a comedian and his insights are endless. And if something funny does happen (baseball is a funny game) he does not collapse in hysterics over it. I hope he continues to perform in this manner. When Gary, Keith and Ron call the game and talk baseball (and with the excellent Kevin Burkhardt on the sidelines), it is difficult to imagine a better broadcasting team... except, of course, for the team of Cohen and Bob Murphy.

Jon
October 19, 2011
Gary Cohen is a spectacular baseball broadcaster for the Mets. Besides being a brilliant play-by-play announcer, he is a brilliant baseball mind. Many of the thoughts that wander through my head during a baseball game I find that Gary will ultimately bring up during the telecast. Smart, funny, and extremely perceptive about the Mets organization as a whole, we Met fans are lucky to have him.

Dennis Laderwager
April 18, 2021
I’m an avid Met fan and have been that way since their inception. I did however, marry a Yankee fan a dozen years ago (something I probably should have given a little more consideration). With that being said, there are occasions when I have to acquiesce and watch a Yankee game to maintain some semblance of peace in the household. It’s torture. Listening to Michael Kay basically announce the hitter’s count with broad segments of dead-air time until the next pitch is thrown, or something significant happens on the field, high is tantamount to planting grass seed and watching it grow. Miserable!

Gary Cohen, as the Mets play-by-play announcer, is an absolute pleaser. He does his homework, engages his booth partners Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling calling on their experience and expertise to further educate viewers, knows player and team happenings in both leagues and most importantly, continues to entertain the tv viewer without taking a nap (take note Michael Kay). It’s plainly evident that Gary loves the game and doing what he does so well.

There’s no question that Gary should be under strong consideration for the Announcer Hall of Fame when he decides to hang up his scorecard, which I hope is in the very distant future. I need a signed ball by Gary and would treasure it as if it were from the home run king. Keep up the good work, Gary. You’re a Met treasure.

Cj xdxxhal
May 3, 2021
I wish Gary could take just a few lessons from the best in the game. Who gives a darn about exit velocity of ball off bat? This silly statistic is totally meaningless to anything happening to the game and has no effect on final score. Why not tell how long it took to cut the grass on any particular day. That’s how silly this is. Vin Scully never ever in his analysis of a game gave as many mundane stats as Gary does. What is the purpose of this stuff??????

Rob Sandford
July 16, 2021
I have been listening to baseball announcers both on the radio and on television since the early seventies. In my humble opinion Gary Cohen is at the top of the list. He is a master of filling the time during a game between pitches. His insight and knowledge of the history of the game, as well as the players you are watching both the home and away team, is priceless. He works wonderfully with his broadcast partners and together are the best in the game by far past and present. Thank you Gary. You are iconic.








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