Rick Rizzs to Retire After 2026 Season, Voice of Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are about to close one of the most cherished chapters in their history. Legendary radio broadcaster Rick Rizzs just announced that the 2026 season will be his last behind the mic.

His career has shaped baseball summers in the Pacific Northwest for over forty years. It’s hard to imagine Mariners baseball without him.

A Career That Spans Generations of Baseball Fans

For so many Mariners fans, Rick Rizzs’ voice is the sound of baseball. Hearing that 2026 will be his final campaign feels like the end of an era, not just in Seattle, but across all of Major League Baseball.

By the time he signs off, Rizzs will have spent 41 seasons calling Mariners games and 44 years total in the majors. That’s a staggering run, honestly.

From Detroit to Seattle: The Journey Begins

Rizzs started broadcasting long before he became a Northwest legend. He spent three seasons with the Detroit Tigers before coming to Seattle.

That move changed everything for him. Counting those early years, his broadcasting career will stretch out to an incredible 52 years.

Once he landed with the Mariners, Rizzs quickly became a steady voice, guiding listeners through the franchise’s ups and downs. He was there through expansion struggles, playoff surges, and all the in-between stuff.

Surpassing a Legend and Becoming One Himself

Rizzs didn’t just stick around—he thrived. Over the years, he surpassed his longtime broadcast partner Dave Niehaus to become the longest-tenured broadcaster in Mariners history.

That’s no small thing, especially considering how beloved Niehaus was.

A 25-Year Partnership in the Booth

For twenty-five years, Rizzs shared the booth with Niehaus. Their chemistry and mutual respect set a high bar for local baseball broadcasts everywhere.

After Niehaus passed away, Rizzs kept going with the same warmth and professionalism. Fans leaned on him, year after year.

A Fixture of the Pacific Northwest

Now 72, Rick Rizzs is so much more than a broadcaster in Seattle. He’s a cultural mainstay, a familiar companion for generations who grew up with his calls on the radio or in the living room.

Celebrating 50 Years of Mariners Baseball

The Mariners plan to honor Rizzs during their 50th season in 2026. It’s fitting—the team’s history and his career are completely intertwined.

People know him for his professionalism, consistency, and genuine warmth. He’s earned respect from fans, players, coaches, and colleagues all over baseball.

Impact Beyond the Broadcast Booth

Rizzs’ impact goes way beyond his voice on game days. For decades, he’s quietly poured energy into helping kids and families throughout the region.

A Legacy of Giving Back

He co-founded Toys for Kids and the Rick’s Locker program. These initiatives have made a real difference for people who need it most.

It’s the same compassion and integrity you hear in every broadcast. That’s just who Rizzs is, on and off the air.

The Final Call Approaches

When Rick Rizzs steps away after the 2026 season, he’ll leave behind a legacy that’s about way more than just wins and losses. His career shows a kind of dedication, a sense of community, and an unshakeable love for baseball.

For Mariners fans, these last seasons will be a chance to really savor every call and every story. After all, his voice helped shape Seattle baseball for more than four decades.

 
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