NEW YORK -- The Voice of Summer never cracked, never wavered, even on his night, last Sept. 25.

The Voice of Summer, just as it has for the last 42 years, delivered the message in the simple, confident tones, once again rising to the occasion.

Awash in the cheers of his many fans, Bob Murphy stood at the podium behind Shea Stadium's home plate and offered one final happy recap. Only this time, he wasn't bringing to an end one of the more than 6,000 games he has called for the Mets. Rather, Murphy was putting an exclamation point on a Hall of Fame career that came to a conclusion that evening.

A poem by Ed Charles The former Met wrote a tribute to Bob Murphy: Time is the alpha and the omega of all things A beginning, an ending, unto mortals it brings The reason that turns Summers into Winters then Springs The reason the clock ticks and the pendulum still swings It's the reason that turns weeks into months then years The reason that youth ceases when maturity appears It's the start of a game, when the first pitch is in flight It's Bob Murphy's fluent voice recapping the highlights It's special moments shared, with family and friends It's the joy we feel whenever the Mets win It's hours spent toiling to pay monthly bills It's rookies in the minors trying to sharpen their skills But on this occasion, it's the end of the marvelous career The retirement of a talent, so special and dear The ceremonial good-byes to a legend of the game That even time had to pause, in honor of his name Bob Murphy you are the alpha and the omega of your domain I wish I could restart the clock, for one more refrain But time, the infamous bane to us all Just won't reverse this damnable call Thanks for the Memories You are truly an Amazin' Met

Murphy, an original Met whose easy-going style has become synonymous with baseball in the Big Apple, called his final game Thursday evening as the Mets took on Pittsburgh. It was Bob Murphy Appreciation night in Queens and prior to the game, the veteran broadcaster was honored by the club, by his friends and peers, his family and former players.

"The Mets have provided me with a way of life," Murphy said. "And I have enjoyed it so much. Just can't believe how much I love it. I just hate to say goodbye. It was a lot easier saying hello the first day I came to New York 42 years ago. Let me tell you fans how much I love you and how great you've been. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your life."

He spoke calmly and clearly, his emotions never getting the best of him. There were no tears shed. His wife, Joye, was clearly moved by much of the ceremony though, which was interrupted several times by spontaneous applause. Murphy then smiled and waved before disappearing into the tunnel behind home plate.

Gary Cohen, Murphy's broadcast partner, emceed the ceremony, which was attended by several former Mets, including Tom Seaver and Keith Hernandez. Ralph Kiner, the other original Met, was also on hand to honor his colleague. Even Mayor Michael Bloomberg was on hand, offering a proclamation that Thursday would be Bob Murphy Day in New York City.

"A love affair began in 1962," Cohen said. "The Mets may have subscribed to Murphy's Law that year but it was Murphy's voice to which the fans tuned in. Whether it was tension-filled pennant drives or as the muffled voice from transistor radios beneath our pillows, each syllable spelled elation or devastation."

In addition to Bloomberg's proclamation, Seaver, John Franco and Al Leiter presented Murphy with a framed No. 42 jersey, signed by the players on this year's team. He was given a bronze plaque, a replica of which will now hang at Shea Stadium.

Radio personality Jody McDonald also spoke. His father, Joe McDonald, was the Mets general manager from 1975-79 but started out as a statistician for the broadcast team in 1962. McDonald grew up a Mets fan and presented Murphy with a cruise on behalf of WFAN, the club's flagship station.

"I grew up literally and figuratively with Murphy," Jody McDonald said. "He's enshrined in the hearts of every single New York Mets fan."

Kiner has no plans on retiring just yet. But he knows the broadcast booth won't be the same without Murphy.

"It's hard to believe that Murph and I have been together for 42 years," Kiner said. "It's with great pleasure and sadness that I introduce Bob. We're like brothers. I've had all those wonderful times with him. It will be sad without him but I'm happy for him. I'm proud to have been with him for all these years."

During the game there were video tributes to Murphy in between innings by broadcasters, past and present, from around the country, each lending a unique perspective to Murphy's career.

"I've loved this so much and enjoyed this so much," Murphy said. "I'd still be going strong if I felt as good as I did a few years ago."

Kevin T. Czerwinski is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.