Sports | Rick Rizzs, Iconic Mariners Broadcaster, Announces Retirement After 41st Season in 2026
By Newzvia
Quick Summary
Longtime Seattle Mariners radio voice Rick Rizzs, the franchise's longest-tenured broadcaster, will retire at the end of the 2026 season after 41 years with the team. The 72-year-old Rizzs reflected emotionally on his storied career, highlighting partnerships with legends like Dave Niehaus and unforgettable moments in Mariners history. He plans a reduced road game schedule to spend more time with family.
Legendary Seattle Mariners Voice Rick Rizzs to Retire After 2026 Season
Seattle Mariners play-by-play announcer Rick Rizzs, the longest-tenured broadcaster in franchise history, announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season, marking the close of his 41st year calling games for the team.
The 72-year-old Rizzs, who first joined the Mariners in 1983, shared his decision on January 27, 2026, expressing deep gratitude for a career spanning over five decades in baseball broadcasting.
A Storied Career Spanning Decades
Rizzs began his professional journey after graduating from Southern Illinois University in 1975, calling minor league games in cities including Alexandria, Virginia; Amarillo, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; and Memphis, Tennessee. He also broadcast Ohio State football before landing his dream job with the Mariners, initially paired with Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus.
Aside from a three-year stint with the Detroit Tigers from 1992 to 1994, Rizzs has been a fixture in Seattle's booth. He worked 25 seasons alongside Niehaus until the legendary announcer's passing in 2010, after which Rizzs became the lead radio voice. Since 2007, he has focused exclusively on radio broadcasts.
Memorable Moments in Mariners History
- The magical 1995 AL Championship Series run that saved baseball in Seattle and secured funding for a new stadium.
- The franchise-record 116-win 2001 season.
- Edgar Martinez's game-tying homer in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the 2025 ALCS.
"Calling Mariners games has been the highlight of my life," Rizzs said in a team statement. "I've been blessed to live my dream as a baseball play-by-play announcer for the past 51 seasons."
Emotional Reflections and Future Plans
Growing up on Chicago's South Side, Rizzs idolized broadcasters like Jack Brickhouse. Now, as he prepares for his final season, he becomes emotional recalling his journey. "You get to a certain point where you're not that little kid watching the games on TV, wishing you were Jack Brickhouse at 12 years old," he said.
Rizzs considered retiring after the successful 2025 season but decided, in consultation with the Mariners, to make 2026 his farewell year. He will follow a reduced schedule for road games to spend more time with his grandkids. Seattle has become his home, despite his Chicago roots.
2026 Broadcast Team
The Mariners confirmed their 2026 broadcast lineup, with Rizzs as the primary radio voice alongside familiar partners:
- Aaron Goldsmith: Primary TV voice
- Angie Mentink: Analyst
- Ryan Rowland-Smith: Analyst
- Gary Hill Jr.: Executive producer/engineer and radio broadcaster
Rizzs praised his colleagues, from Niehaus and producer Kevin Cremin to current partners Gary Hill and Aaron Goldsmith, as well as the passionate Pacific Northwest fans who have made his tenure special.