More Than a Broadcaster: How Sam Rosen Became Family to Rangers Fans

Yes, that’s my customized Sam Rosen jersey pictured just below. To the majority of the 18,000+ that filed into the World’s Most Famous Arena on Saturday afternoon, there was no doubt as to what that jersey, and the person's name emblazoned on it, meant to New York Rangers fans of all walks of life. For the one family of Vancouver Canucks fans that were waiting beside my dad and I to get into the game, however, there was some confusion about it, as well as about why there were so many people there so early. 

It was in that moment I had yet another realization on what Sam has meant to Rangers fans everywhere. I informed the family that there was a pregame ceremony honoring the team’s broadcaster of forty years who was retiring at the end of the season, and that his iconic calls—including his most famous one that came at their team’s expense in 1994—have touched and inspired generations of fans. 

To this my dad, who has been a Rangers fan since he was a teenager in the early 1980s, chimed in with how Sam Rosen has been the only voice of the team he’s ever known. That prompted an older couple next to us to share how they remembered when Sam first took over in the broadcast booth, and how they got to witness the very beginning of his legendary career.

That’s when it hit me. Sam Rosen has been calling the New York Rangers across as many as four generations of fans, which has created the impact of a lifetime.

Upon entering Madison Square Garden, there was a different energy in the air than that of a normal game day. Fans were handed a limited edition commemorative ticket with Sam’s picture in between the number 40 with the game details and the "A Salute to Sam" logo. As fans made their way to their seats, pictures of Sam throughout the years were being projected on the Garden ice. As the teams were finishing taking warm-ups, large Rangers logo pillars were being brought to the ice, alongside a podium on a big blue carpet. That's when it was beginning to feel real that Sam’s farewell tour was nearing its final leg.

For probably the 15th time that day, my dad said to me “I’m going to be a wreck for this.”

The ceremony kicked off with public address announcer Joe Tolleson welcoming the man of the hour, alongside his wife Jill, to the ice prior to the introduction of his current broadcast partner, Joe Micheletti. Frankly, I don’t know how Joe kept it together because as soon as his speech began I, along with many others around me, were already emotional. Sam was gifted a custom jersey signed by the entire team, as well as a golden microphone that was presented to him by his two former broadcast partners, John Davidson and Phil Esposito. 

Then it was Sam’s turn to speak. He was welcomed with a standing ovation and heartfelt “Sam Rosen” chants. Much like every single one of his calls, Sam’s words were strong and genuine. He spoke on how much this has all meant to him as a kid who grew up a massive sports fan in Brooklyn, including of the New York Rangers. “I have truly lived the dream,” he said as he thanked all of his coworkers, the organization, the players, and the fans who he identified as his “inspiration to be the best I can be.”

“Every time I walk into this building, I know I’m walking into my second home,” was how he described MSG and his 40 years of being a part of Rangers history. It was a relatively short ceremony, but it was presented with class and genuine appreciation from everyone involved. Many fans seemed a little disappointed by how short the ceremony was and that all he got was the jersey and golden microphone. But as alluded to in Joe Micheletti’s introduction, I’m sure there will be more to come, especially as the team is set to celebrate their centennial next season. Besides, Sam still has about four weeks to go before he officially retires from broadcasting. 

Nonetheless, it was incredibly special to be there for the ceremony and something I’ll always remember. There wasn’t a dry eye in the arena as Sam’s words hit home for everyone for so many different reasons. He’s impacted so many Rangers fans throughout the years. To illustrate that, I’ve collected some quotes from fans and friends about what he has meant them as New York Rangers fans.

What has Sam Rosen meant to you as a Rangers fan? 

“Sam has meant everything to me as a Rangers fan. I’m turning 32 at the end of this season and ever since I could remember he and the Rangers have been with me every step of the way through the roller coaster that is this fandom. His voice is iconic, his play calling is legendary and he truly seems like one of the best people in the world. It’s going to be so strange moving forward without him but his voice will continue to echo throughout MSG and my TV for an eternity.” - Mike P.

“Sam IS the voice of the Rangers. He is to the Rangers what Vin Scully is to the Dodgers. He is always there for the team's biggest moments. The passion he brought to the broadcast can’t be duplicated.” - Ryan K.

“My first memories of watching Rangers hockey all include hearing Sam Rosen’s voice. Before I was able to attend a game in person, all I knew about Rangers hockey was Sam Rosen’s voice. He has carried us through the highs and lows of being a Rangers fan and it’s going to be very difficult to watch the games without hearing him” - Eric P. 

What was it like to be there for the "Salute To Sam" ceremony? 

“It meant everything to be at the World’s Most Famous arena for the game our storied announcer was honored and celebrated. Everything the organization and fans did for him during the ceremony gave me chills but getting to hear Sam talk in person himself was the most enjoyable part. It was a classic Rangers comeback that day, one the team didn’t necessarily deserve but I believe the aura of Sam Rosen gave the Rangers the right bounces to pull off the win. I couldn’t have been happier to see them pull off the win on Sam’s special day." - Mike P.

“Being there for the Salute to Sam was an experience I will never forget. Hearing the Garden roar from fans showing our appreciation was a surreal moment and I couldn’t help but feel emotional knowing that watching Rangers games in the future will never feel the same. Thank you Sam!” - Ryan K. 

“I haven't been able to catch the ceremony or the game yet but when I used to work at MSG, meeting Sam was at the top of my bucket list. He blew me away with his kindness and authenticity. He is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met and truly loved every day of his work. I wish him nothing but peace and happiness in his retirement as nobody deserves it more!” - Eric P. 

Sam Rosen has honestly felt like a member of my family throughout the years. Night after night, for the better part of my 29 years, I gathered around the TV in the living room of my childhood home alongside my family to be welcomed with a genuine “good evening” from Sam Rosen "along with Joe Micheletti” (and J.D. prior to that). Throughout 82-game campaigns plus the playoffs over the course of so many years, Sam’s presence on the mic had an impact beyond the game at hand. Hockey season stretches across practically all of the major holidays and other momentous occasions in our lives. Whether it was Sam extending season’s greetings, wishing fans a happy and healthy new year, or simply just bringing a smile to our faces on any given night of the season where we may have needed it, he was there through it all.   

From being a kid, playing knee hockey along with the Rangers games on TV, to learning to play ice hockey, to idolizing Henrik Lundqvist, to playing competitively throughout college, and becoming a fervid fanatic who analyzes, studies, and now writes about the game here, hockey has been my greatest passion in life and has given me so much. I’d like to think that the passion, pure joy, and love of the game that Sam Rosen embodies is something I brought to the rink every day as a player and continue to bring as a fan.

For everyone reading this, I encourage you to share with us any special Sam Rosen moments or memories you have in the comments as we continue to celebrate his career and legacy in his final season!

From the bottom of our hearts Sam, thank you for everything you have done for the Rangers across the last 40 years.