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Gary Cohen

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other people named Gary Cohen, see Gary Cohen (disambiguation).

Gary Cohen
Cohen during an SNY broadcast in 2022
Born (1958-04-29) April 29, 1958 (age 66)
New York City, U.S.
EducationColumbia University, '81
B.A., Political Science
Occupation(s)Play-by-play and broadcast announcer for the New York Mets
Years active1983–present
SpouseLynn Cohen
Children5

Gary Cohen (born April 29, 1958)[1][2] is an American sportscaster, best known as a radio and television play-by-play announcer for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is widely considered as one of the greatest baseball announcers of all time.

Cohen currently calls Mets broadcasts for SNY and WPIX and Seton Hall basketball games on WMCA and WNYM. He is well known for his baritone voice and signature calls, most notably "It's outta here!" for when a Mets player hits a home run.[3]

Career

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Cohen in 2009

Cohen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Columbia University in 1981. He began his broadcasting career with WKCR Sports where he did play-by-play for baseball, football and men's basketball.[4] He also announced men's soccer games with future presidential adviser and Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos.[5]

Prior to joining the Mets' broadcast team in 1989, Cohen worked as the voice of the minor league Spartanburg Spinners (1983–1984), Durham Bulls (1986), and Pawtucket Red Sox (1987–1988).[6] He also called ice hockey and basketball games for Providence College from 1988 to 1989, and football for Brown University in 1987.[6] Along with his work with the Mets, Cohen has also called postseason MLB games for ESPN Radio and CBS Radio.[6]

In addition to his baseball duties, Cohen has called men's college basketball games for many years, starting with his duties with St. John's on WFAN, for which he broadcast from 1995 to 2002.[6] Following WFAN's loss of the radio rights to St. John's games, Cohen began broadcasting Seton Hall games, which he continues to do to this day. He also served as a backup announcer on New York Rangers radio broadcasts, called Olympic hockey at the 1992, 1994, and 1998 Winter Olympics, and NCAA tournament games for Westwood One on multiple occasions.[6]

In September 2022, Cohen pre-recorded announcements for the MTA New York City Subway 7 line, along with Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling.[7]

Television

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It was announced on November 9, 2005, that Cohen would become the play-by-play announcer for the new Mets cable television network, SportsNet New York (SNY). As part of the agreement, Cohen also calls about 25 Mets games per year on WPIX along with analysts and former Mets Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez.[8]

Cohen's signature radio phrases, which he has carried over to television, include:

  • "And a pleasant good afternoon/evening everybody" – used at the start of every game.
  • "Back to talk about it in a moment" – at the conclusion of each half inning, pitcher change, or other reason for commercial break.
  • "Heeeee struck him out!" – after a meaningful strikeout.
  • "[Player name] would be next" – when a player is on deck with two outs.
  • "The merry-go-round will be in motion" – when the bases are loaded, two outs, with a 3–2 count, for the automatic start that the three runners take.
  • "[Player name] going back, to the track, at the wall and... It's outta here!" – when a player hits a home run.
  • "Forget that, that's way outta here!" – when a player hits a no-doubt home run.
  • "...and the [team name] are down to their final strike." – counting down from the last out, last strike at the end of the game.
  • "...and the ball game is OVER!" – said at the end of the game by describing the final play and finishing it.
  • “[Player Name] takes first pitch (or swings at, or hits) and we're under way" – said on the first pitch or play of the game.

He is also known for his vivid and succinct description of the game action, his smooth baritone voice, corny joking with former broadcast partner Howie Rose, and his sometimes biting, but always well-informed baseball commentary. In 2003, Cohen became the Mets' lead radio voice following the retirement of Bob Murphy.

Awards and honors

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On June 3, 2023, Cohen was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame.[9] In May 2024, Cohen received an honorary doctoral degree from Seton Hall, during a graduation ceremony where he also delivered a commencement speech.[10]

Personal life

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He is married to Lynn Cohen and lives in Connecticut. He has five children.[11]

References

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  1. ^ Hond, Paul (Fall 2017). "Outta Here!". Columbia Magazine.
  2. ^ New York Mets [@Mets] (April 29, 2014). "Happy birthday, Gary Cohen!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ "Outta Here!". Columbia Magazine. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  4. ^ Hond, Paul. "Outta Here!" Columbia (Columbia University alumni magazine), Fall 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  5. ^ Koblin, John (July 15, 2009). "The Anti-Homers". The New York Observer. Archived from the original on July 19, 2009. Retrieved November 27, 2011.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Gary Cohen". newyork.mets.mlb.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2017. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
  7. ^ Kaye, Jacob (September 15, 2022). "Mets broadcasters lend charm and calm to 7 train". Queens Daily Eagle. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  8. ^ Young, Dennis (June 19, 2021). "Francisco Lindor explodes for best game with Mets, who split twin bill vs. Nats". New York Daily News. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  9. ^ Mastracco, Abbey (June 3, 2023). "Fellow broadcasters weigh in on what makes Howie Rose and Gary Cohen great". nydailynews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  10. ^ Carino, Jerry (May 20, 2024). "Gary Cohen up for 'pretty daunting' task: Seton Hall commencement speech". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  11. ^ "SNY.tv: sny_announcers: Mets On-Air Talent". Retrieved May 14, 2016.
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