Losing a pet is incredibly difficult, as New York Mets play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen experienced when he had to say goodbye to his Great Dane earlier this week, leading him to miss Friday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals. SNY reporter Steve Gelbs stepped in for Cohen, earning commendations from him as Cohen paid tribute to his Great Dane during Saturday’s broadcast. “I want to thank you guys and Steve for doing such a great job covering for me on Friday night,” Cohen expressed. “It was a rough day for my wife Lynn and me. We had to say goodbye to our beloved Lily, who passed away at the age of 13.”
Gary Cohen thanks Steve Gelbs for filling in on Mets play-by-play Friday while Cohen had to say goodbye to his Great Dane.
Keith Hernandez: “It’s tough to lose your pets. They get a piece of your heart.”
Ron Darling: “It’s a pleasure what animals do to ya.”⚾️🎙️❤️ pic.twitter.com/gqT81LhHIf
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 20, 2025
“You know, Great Danes are only supposed to live six to eight years, and she brought us so much joy far beyond that. She was a sweet, gentle soul, and we’re going to miss her terribly,” Cohen continued, while the broadcast displayed pictures of Lily. Mets game analyst Keith Hernandez added, “It’s tough to lose your pets; they get a piece of your heart.” Cohen noted, “Anyway, it was a rough day Friday. You guys had a great game. Steve did an amazing job.”
“Steve was wonderful. I liken it to a reliever who doesn’t know he’s starting until he arrives at the ballpark and someone hands him the ball, saying, ‘You’re starting today.’ They don’t have time to get nervous. Anyone would’ve been proud of the work he did in that game,” Mets analyst Ron Darling agreed. “It was a great game, and I think he did it total justice,” Cohen added. He mentioned how Gelbs had so much adrenaline after calling the game-winning home run that he needed to step into the hallway to pace up and down, unable to calm down. “That’s what this game does to you,” he remarked. Gelbs proved to be a much-needed silver lining for Cohen’s challenging Friday.
