Gary Cohen (born April 29, 1958) 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).

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

Career

thumb|right|Cohen in 2009

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). He also called ice hockey and basketball games for Providence College from 1988 to 1989, and football for Brown University in 1987.

Television

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.

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.
  • "At [stadium name] in [state/city where game is being played] the New York Mets take on the (or play the) [opposing team's name]." – used to introduce the matchup before 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.
  • "And he just got a piece of it " – when a player barely tips a ball for a foul.
  • "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, Rose became the Mets' lead radio voice following the retirement of Bob Murphy.

Awards and honors

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

Personal life

Cohen is Jewish. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, Lynn Cohen, and has five children.

References

  • SportsNet New York Profile of Gary Cohen

Yahoo News. (n.d.). Chicago Cubs announcer Gary Cohen [Video]. Yahoo. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/chicago-cubs-announcer-gary-cohen-102903304.html