The most underrated NY Mets broadcaster in franchise history

Fran Healy might not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing legendary baseball broadcasters, but for Mets fans of a certain era, his voice was the soundtrack of summer. As a lifelong Mets fan, I’ve drunk the Gary, Keith, and Ron Kool-Aid since day one, and for good reason. The Mets, without a shadow of a doubt, have the best announcement booth in baseball. They seamlessly weave fun, lore, and analysis in a style that warms the hearts of even the most heart-hardened baseball fan. But before GKR graced our televisions, there was Fran Healy—a man whose warmth and homespun charm made every game feel like a conversation with an old friend.

On September 6, 1946, Francis Xavier Healy entered the world and soon found his way into our hearts. Healy, using the tools of ignorance, became a catcher. His career began with the Kansas City Royals, where he had the honor of being behind the plate for Steve “Buzz” Busby’s two no-hitters. In a show of solidarity with the Tigers and Brewers, Healy himself went hitless in both games. He would go on to play for the San Francisco Giants, carving out a journeyman career that saw him bat .250 with 141 RBIs and 20 home runs before injuries took their toll.

An unsung hero on the baseball field became an underrated Mets broadcaster

Though his numbers weren’t Hall of Fame-worthy, Healy found himself at the center of one of baseball’s most colorful stories—the 1977 Yankees, better known as the Bronx Zoo. As depicted in the ESPN mini-series The Bronx Is Burning, Healy, rather than serving as a designated hitter, became the designated friend of ostracized Yankees slugger Reggie Jackson. Despite playing in only 27 games that season, Healy’s impact was immense. His diplomatic skills smoothed tensions within the team and earned him a heartfelt shoutout from Mr. October himself during Jackson’s Hall of Fame induction speech. Yankees skipper Billy Martin even tasked Healy with delivering the unenviable news to Jackson that he’d been benched for Game 5 of the 1977 ALCS. Billy saw what Mets fans would later find out: Fran Healy had the gift of gab.

After hanging up his cleats in 1978, Healy transitioned to the broadcast booth, cutting his teeth alongside Yankees legends Mel Allen, Bill White, and Phil Rizzuto. His rapport with Rizzuto was described by New York Times sportswriter Ira Berkow as akin to “a comedy team, one that also interspersed solid bits of baseball information that were a treat for Yankee fans.” Healy was Abbott to Rizzuto’s Costello.

In 1984, Healy joined the Mets family, a pivotal year for the franchise as it began its climb to glory. Fran was there when the Amazin’s won their second World Championship in 1986, providing his signature voice and postgame moderation along the way. One of his most memorable moments came in 1987 when he interviewed former President (and Mets fan) Richard Nixon. Politics aside, you know you’ve made it when you get to interview a former president.

Healy’s tenure with the Mets ended in 2006, when SportsNet New York (SNY) ushered in the lauded trio of Gary, Keith, and Ron. But for Mets fans of a certain age, Healy’s voice is forever etched into memories of childhood summers. His phrases, like “hitting a frozen rope,” are burned into our collective consciousness. Was he on the level of Gary, Keith, and Ron? Not even close. But he had something else—a love and fondness for the game that you just felt. For that, he is fondly remembered by segments of the Shea faithful.

In an era before analytics and slick production dominated broadcasts, Fran Healy brought a warmth and sincerity that made every fan feel like they were part of the game. He may not have reached the heights of today’s celebrated booth, but his charm and enthusiasm carved out a special place in Mets history. For that, Fran Healy will always be the most underrated announcer.