The television executives had gathered the crew and the talent in a room that afternoon of Sept. 21, 2001. They were solemn and serious and wanted the men who would broadcast the Mets game that night to follow a firm, formal plan.
“This,” they said, one after another, “is unlike any game we’ve ever done. Make sure you don’t get too excited about anything. Don’t emote. This is a night of healing, not of celebration.”
Howie Rose didn’t have to be told. Now the Mets’ longtime radio voice, at the time he worked the TV end for Fox Sports and, to be truthful, the last place he wanted to be was at Shea Stadium.