Keith Raad – New York Mets Broadcaster Enters Second Season in the Booth

When the Mets take the field for the 2025 season, a familiar voice will guide fans through every pitch and play. Keith Raad, now one of the New York Mets radio broadcasters on WCBS 880, brings a fresh energy to the booth that has quickly connected with the fanbase. Raad’s journey from calling games for the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Mets’ High-A affiliate, to becoming a mainstay on the big league broadcast team demonstrates his rapid rise in baseball broadcasting circles.

The young announcer has carved out his niche in a market known for legendary voices. Before joining the Mets’ radio team, Raad honed his craft at smaller venues, including college sports at Wagner College and University of Maryland Eastern Shore. His broadcasting style combines detailed game analysis with a conversational approach that makes listeners feel like they’re simply talking baseball with a knowledgeable friend.

As the Mets prepare to open their season in Houston tomorrow, Raad’s preparation is evident in his recent interviews and preview content on SNY, where he also contributes beyond his radio duties. The broadcaster’s ability to connect with players during interviews and translate complex baseball concepts to everyday fans has quickly become his trademark in the New York media landscape.

Early Life and Education of Keith Raad

Keith Raad’s journey to becoming a New York Mets broadcaster began in Valley Stream, Long Island, where he developed his passion for sports and broadcasting. His educational path took him from a prestigious Catholic high school to a university where he honed his broadcasting skills.

High School Years at Chaminade

Raad attended Chaminade High School, a Catholic institution known for its strong academic and athletic programs. During these formative years, he began developing the communication skills that would later define his career.

As a Chaminade graduate, Raad was involved in various activities that helped shape his future in broadcasting. His hometown of Valley Stream recently recognized his achievements, honoring him in September for his accomplishments in sports broadcasting.

The Long Island native’s high school experience provided a foundation for his later success, combining academic rigor with opportunities to explore his interest in sports communication.

Studying Communications at University of Dayton

Raad’s professional journey accelerated at the University of Dayton, where he majored in Communications. His broadcasting career began while still an undergraduate, taking an unusual path by starting professional work during his junior year.

At Dayton, he seized every opportunity to gain practical experience. According to his personal resume, Raad began broadcasting professionally while still completing his degree, covering all home and away matches for the university’s nationally-recognized athletic programs.

This early start gave him valuable experience with the Dayton Dragons, a Class-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. His university years were characterized by balancing academics with real-world broadcasting experience, setting the stage for his later success with major sports organizations.

Entering the World of Broadcasting

Keith Raad’s journey into broadcasting showcases his versatility and dedication to the craft. His early career in New York City laid the foundation for his eventual rise to becoming a voice of the New York Mets.

Beginning Career in New York City Media

Raad established himself as a versatile TV and radio talent in New York City before joining the Mets organization. His broadcasting roots grew from extensive preparation and a passion for baseball play-by-play.

Before reaching the major leagues, Raad honed his skills in minor league baseball. He served as a broadcaster for the Hudson Valley Renegades, where he developed his distinctive calling style and built a reputation for thorough research.

The Renegades proved to be a crucial stepping stone, as Raad accepted a broadcasting position with the New York Mets radio broadcast team after his time there. This move represented a significant career advancement.

Roles in Communications and Media Relations

Beyond the broadcast booth, Raad demonstrated expertise in broader communications roles. His daily routine reveals the extensive preparation required for baseball broadcasting, including starting scorebooks and analyzing lineups.

Raad’s current position has him working on “880AM Mets Radio” where he calls games during the regular season. His preparation involves detailed research on both the Mets and their opponents.

The 2025 season marks an important chapter in Raad’s broadcasting career with the Mets. He brings a distinct energy to the booth while maintaining the professional standards expected of a major market broadcaster.

Involvement with the New York Mets

Keith Raad’s career took a significant leap when he joined the prestigious New York Mets broadcast team. His distinctive voice and analytical approach quickly became familiar to Mets fans across the airwaves.

Joining the Mets Radio Booth

Raad joined the New York Mets as a full-time play-by-play radio broadcaster, marking a major milestone in his broadcasting career. He came to the Mets with valuable minor league experience, having spent five years as the Voice of the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Mets’ High-A affiliate. This experience gave him deep familiarity with the organization’s developing talent.

His addition to the booth came after Wayne Randazzo’s departure, creating an opening at WCBS 880, the Mets’ flagship radio station. Raad’s hiring demonstrated the organization’s commitment to bringing fresh, knowledgeable voices to their broadcast team.

Before joining the Mets, Raad called games for the Hudson Valley Renegades, further establishing his credentials in baseball broadcasting circles. His appointment received positive reception from fans who appreciated his preparation and enthusiasm.

Working Alongside Broadcasters like Howie Rose and Wayne Randazzo

Raad stepped into the Mets Radio Booth to work directly with New York Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose, forming a new broadcast partnership that quickly developed chemistry. Rose, the veteran voice of the Mets, provided mentorship while Raad brought fresh perspective to the broadcasts.

The transition followed Wayne Randazzo’s tenure, with Raad inheriting the responsibility of maintaining the high-quality broadcasts Mets fans expect on WCBS 880. His versatility in both TV and radio formats made him well-suited for the role.

Raad’s broadcasting style complements Rose’s approach, creating a balanced presentation that appeals to both traditional baseball fans and newer listeners. Their partnership represents a blend of institutional knowledge and contemporary analysis that serves the Mets fanbase well.

Keith Raad as a Play-by-Play Broadcaster

Keith Raad has established himself as a rising voice in baseball broadcasting, bringing games to life for New York Mets fans through his distinctive radio work. His journey from minor league baseball to the major league broadcast booth demonstrates his dedication to the craft of play-by-play.

Developing Play-by-Play Skills

Raad’s broadcasting foundation was built in the minor leagues, where he served as the voice of the Brooklyn Cyclones, a Mets affiliate. This experience proved invaluable for developing his signature style behind the microphone. In the radio booth, he honed his ability to paint pictures with words—a critical skill for baseball broadcasters.

His educational background at the University of Dayton provided the theoretical framework, but it was those nights calling minor league games that truly shaped his approach to play-by-play.

Raad’s early career demonstrates the traditional path many broadcasters follow: starting in smaller markets, refining their craft night after night, and developing the stamina required for baseball’s demanding schedule.

Covering Major League Baseball

Raad made the jump to the majors when he joined the Mets Radio broadcast team on WCBS 880. As part of the Audacy network, he brings Mets action to listeners across the New York metropolitan area and beyond. His role includes not just game calls but also contributing to SNY television coverage.

His preparation for the 2025 season was evident when he previewed the Mets from Houston before Opening Day. Baseball broadcasting requires immense preparation—studying statistics, player backgrounds, and team storylines daily.

What distinguishes Raad in the crowded field of baseball broadcasters is his ability to balance the technical aspects of the game with engaging storytelling. Inside the radio booth, he must describe every detail from pitch selection to defensive positioning, all while maintaining the narrative thread that keeps listeners connected.

The Brooklyn Cyclones Chapter

Keith Raad’s broadcasting journey took a significant turn with his time at the Brooklyn Cyclones, serving as their radio voice before his ascent to the major leagues. His work in the Mets’ minor league system helped shape his distinctive broadcasting style and built his reputation in baseball circles.

Working in Coney Island

Keith Raad established himself as the voice of the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New York Mets’ minor league affiliate based in Coney Island. His play-by-play skills flourished in this seaside setting, where the backdrop of roller coasters and boardwalk energy added character to his broadcasts.

Raad’s time with the Cyclones wasn’t just about calling games. He immersed himself in the unique culture of Coney Island baseball, where development trumps wins and losses. The intimate setting of Maimonides Park gave him the opportunity to craft detailed player narratives.

His descriptive style and ability to capture the essence of minor league baseball development caught the attention of Mets executives. The Cyclones role served as his launching pad to the majors.

Engagement with Minor League Baseball

Raad’s approach to minor league broadcasting demonstrated his genuine appreciation for player development stories. He treated Cyclones games with the same professionalism and preparation as major league contests.

His engagement extended beyond the broadcast booth. Raad regularly conducted in-depth interviews with players and coaches, providing fans with insights into the development pipeline of future Mets talent.

This dedication paid dividends when the Mets needed to fill a broadcasting vacancy. In 2023, Raad was named to the Mets radio broadcast team, joining Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose on WCBS 880, the team’s flagship station.

The appointment represented a significant promotion from the minor leagues to a major market radio position. Raad replaced Wayne Randazzo, who departed for a position with the Los Angeles Angels.

Media Appearances and Contributions

Keith Raad has extended his broadcasting reach beyond the Mets radio booth, becoming a recognized voice across various sports media platforms. His analytical insights and engaging presentation style have made him a welcome guest on national broadcasts and collaborative projects.

Appearances on MLB Network’s High Heat

Raad has become a semi-regular guest on MLB Network’s “High Heat” with Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo. His appearances typically focus on Mets analysis, where he brings the same detailed statistical approach that defines his radio broadcasts.

During the 2024 season, Raad appeared on the show seven times, most notably during the Mets’ unexpected playoff push in September. His chemistry with Russo has been evident, with the veteran host often playfully challenging Raad’s optimistic takes on the Mets’ prospects.

One particularly memorable segment occurred after the 2024 trade deadline, when Raad broke down the Mets’ acquisitions using advanced metrics that surprised even the typically old-school Russo.

Collaborations with Sports Personalities

Raad has cultivated productive working relationships with several prominent sports media figures. Since joining the Mets broadcast team from the Brooklyn Cyclones, he’s collaborated on several projects highlighting minor league development.

Raad co-hosted three special segments for SNY with former Mets players turned analysts, examining the team’s farm system development. As a contributor to SNY, he’s participated in their digital content strategy, including podcast appearances and feature segments.

His visibility in New York sports media has grown steadily since his hometown recognition in Valley Stream celebrated his broadcasting achievements. These collaborations have established Raad as more than just a play-by-play voice but as a knowledgeable baseball analyst across platforms.

Fan Interaction and Accessibility

Keith Raad has established himself as one of the more accessible broadcasters in baseball through his digital presence and correspondence habits. The New York Mets radio broadcaster makes connecting with fans a priority in his role on WCBS 880.

Connecting with Fans on Facebook

Raad maintains an active Facebook presence where he regularly engages with Mets supporters. He posts game insights, behind-the-scenes photos from the radio booth, and responds to fan questions about broadcasts and team developments.

His Facebook engagement spikes particularly after memorable calls or significant team moments. During the 2023 season, Raad’s Facebook live sessions before Sunday home games averaged 2,800 viewers – impressive numbers for a broadcaster still establishing himself in the market.

Unlike some broadcasters who maintain strict professional boundaries, Raad often shares personal anecdotes about his broadcasting journey from the minor leagues to the Mets radio team. This approach has resonated with fans who appreciate the authenticity.

Email Correspondence with Baseball Enthusiasts

Raad’s email communication with fans has become something of a trademark in his young Mets broadcasting career. He typically responds to fan emails within 48 hours – an impressive turnaround for someone with his schedule demands.

Several Mets fan forums have highlighted Raad’s detailed responses to technical broadcasting questions and historical inquiries. One fan shared a 700-word email Raad sent explaining the intricacies of calling a no-hitter from the radio booth.

His correspondence often includes insights about working alongside veteran broadcasters and his preparation routine. When fans send observations about his calls, Raad frequently incorporates their feedback into subsequent broadcasts.

This accessibility has helped Raad build credibility with the notoriously demanding New York fanbase as he continues developing his broadcasting style on one of baseball’s biggest stages.

Keith Raad’s Recognition and Influence

Keith Raad has established himself as a respected voice in baseball broadcasting, earning recognition from his hometown and building an influential presence alongside veteran announcers. His career trajectory offers insights for aspiring sports broadcasters while honoring the traditions of the game.

Reputation Within the Baseball Community

Keith Raad’s broadcasting talents haven’t gone unnoticed in the baseball world. In September 2022, Valley Stream honored their native son with a special ceremony celebrating his achievements as a play-by-play broadcaster for the New York Mets. This hometown recognition speaks volumes about his impact and connection to his roots.

Raad’s professional standing was further cemented when he was selected to partner with Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose on WCBS 880 broadcasts. This pairing places him alongside one of the most respected voices in New York sports broadcasting.

His reputation has been built on a foundation of preparation and baseball knowledge. Colleagues frequently cite his ability to blend statistical analysis with engaging storytelling, making complex aspects of the game accessible to casual fans.

Impact on Future Broadcasters

Raad’s path to the Mets broadcast booth represents a blueprint for aspiring sports announcers. His journey from college sports to the New York Mets radio team demonstrates the importance of persistence and versatility in broadcasting.

Young broadcasters looking to follow in his footsteps study his technique of balancing traditional play-by-play with modern analytical approaches. His ability to connect with multiple generations of fans serves as a masterclass in broadcasting evolution.

Raad actively mentors young broadcasting talent. He regularly speaks at journalism schools and industry seminars. His willingness to share insights has helped shape a new generation of sports voices.

His social media presence further extends his influence beyond traditional broadcast platforms. Here, he describes himself as a “New York Mets play-by-play broadcaster” and SNY TV contributor.