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==