Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling, the beloved trio behind the Mets' broadcast booth, are gearing up for their 21st season together, but this time, they won't be calling the shots on Opening Day. The trio, affectionately known as 'GKR', will be on the sidelines as the Mets take on the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, with the game airing on NBC and Peacock instead of their usual home, SNY. While fans may be disappointed, the GKR crew is embracing the change with a mix of humor and pragmatism.
Cohen, Hernandez, and Darling shared their plans for the big day, offering a glimpse into their unique dynamics and the trust they've built over the years. Cohen, the maestro, will be on his couch, enjoying a baked potato and a New York Strip, medium rare, as he watches the game with a sense of detachment. Hernandez, the seasoned veteran, will be in Manhattan, savoring the experience of watching the game in a more traditional setting. Darling, the family man, will be in the booth, enjoying the game with his 10-year-old, a stark contrast to the empty booth he usually calls home.
The absence of GKR from the broadcast booth on Opening Day is a result of the ever-changing sports broadcasting landscape and the complex world of TV contracts. The Mets' 2021 opener was also not on SNY, aired by ESPN instead. However, the good news for Mets fans is that the majority of their 2026 games will be broadcast by SNY or WPIX, a testament to the trio's enduring popularity and the trust they've built with the network.
The GKR trio's success lies in their lack of ego, their ability to lean on each other, and the firm hand of producer Gregg Picker, who acts as 'the boss of the show'. Their dynamic is a delicate balance of expertise and humility, with Cohen's play-by-play skills, Hernandez's pitcher's perspective, and Darling's hitter's insight seamlessly transitioning into a cohesive and engaging broadcast. This unique blend of skills and personalities has made them a gold standard in baseball broadcasting, a status that will continue to thrive even as they navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving sports media landscape.
