As the Mets gear up for their 21st season with the beloved SNY booth trio of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling, fans are buzzing with anticipation. However, for Opening Day, the familiar voices of "GKR" will be absent, as NBC and Peacock take the reins for the broadcast.
Cohen, Hernandez, and Darling have their own plans for the opener. Cohen will enjoy the game from his couch, Hernandez plans a classic New York meal, and Darling will watch from the booth with his young son. But fear not, Mets fans-SNY will be back in action for the season's second game on Saturday.
The shifting landscape of sports broadcasting means that both New York teams will have their openers aired by external networks, with the Yankees playing on Netflix. While fans and broadcasters like YES' Michael Kay might find this frustrating, Cohen and his colleagues take it in stride, understanding it’s all part of the evolving TV contract landscape.
The good news? The majority of the Mets' games this season will be covered by SNY or WPIX. Hernandez, despite scaling back his schedule slightly, has signed on for another three years, ensuring the trio remains intact.
The chemistry between Cohen, Hernandez, and Darling is often cited as the gold standard in baseball commentary. Hernandez credits former SNY executive producer Curt Gowdy for the inspired combination of a pitcher, a hitter, and a seasoned play-by-play announcer. This blend has created a seamless and engaging dynamic that fans have come to love.
Reflecting on their early days, Cohen recalls how their lack of initial experience led to a strong reliance on each other, building a foundation of trust that resonates with viewers. Darling emphasizes that honesty and transparency are key, with the trio never shying away from calling it as they see it, whether the Mets are soaring or struggling.
A significant factor in their success is the absence of egos and the steady guidance of producer Gregg Picker, whom Darling affectionately refers to as "the boss of the show."
This season brings a behind-the-scenes change with Eddie Wahrman stepping in as the new lead director following John DeMarsico's resignation. Hernandez assures fans that the transition has been smooth, with Wahrman already feeling like an old friend.
As Mets fans await the familiar sounds of Cohen, Hernandez, and Darling, they can rest easy knowing that the cherished voices of SNY will soon be back, ready to bring their unique blend of insight, analysis, and camaraderie to the season ahead.