Full Breakdown
Rick Rizzs to Retire After 2026 Season: A Legacy in Seattle Mariners Broadcasting
3/23/2026, 3:10:54 PM
Announcement of Retirement
Rick Rizzs, the iconic voice of the Seattle Mariners, has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2026 season, marking the end of a remarkable broadcasting career that spans over 50 years. At 72 years old, Rizzs cited a desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his three grandchildren, as a primary reason for his decision. He expressed, “I just thought where I'm at in my life, I'm 72 years of age, my grandkids are getting older. I just wanna spend more time with my grandkids.”
Career Highlights
Rizzs began his tenure with the Mariners in 1983, partnering with Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus. Over his 41 seasons with the team, he became renowned for his energetic commentary and memorable home run calls, which have accompanied some of the franchise's most significant moments. Rizzs attributes much of his success to Niehaus, stating, “Dave Niehaus meant everything to me. It was his knowledge of the game and his ability to be one of the greatest storytellers of all time, which made him one of the greatest broadcasters of all time.”
Before joining the Mariners, Rizzs spent eight years in the minor leagues and three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, accumulating a total of 44 years of professional broadcasting experience. He acknowledged the challenges of the major league schedule, including extensive travel and time away from home, as factors influencing his retirement decision. “The travel kind of gets to you. When you're home, you're really not home,” Rizzs noted.
Community Engagement
Beyond his broadcasting career, Rizzs co-founded Toys for Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing new toys for children in the Pacific Northwest during the holiday season and offering college scholarships. His commitment to community service has been a significant aspect of his life outside of baseball.
Official Statements & Responses
Since announcing his retirement plans, Rizzs has received an outpouring of support from fans, reflecting his deep connection with the Mariners' community. His contributions to the team and the region have left an indelible mark, and many fans have expressed their gratitude for his decades of service.
Criticism & Opposition
While Rizzs's retirement has been met with widespread support, some fans have expressed concern about the future of Mariners broadcasting without his distinctive voice. The transition to a new announcer may pose challenges in maintaining the same level of connection with the audience that Rizzs has fostered over the years.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just thought where I'm at in my life, I'm 72 years of age, my grandkids are getting older,” — Rick Rizzs, Mariners Announcer
- “It was his knowledge of the game and his ability to be one of the greatest storytellers of all time, which made him one of the greatest broadcasters of all time.” — Rick Rizzs, Mariners Announcer
- “The travel kind of gets to you. When you're home, you're really not home,” — Rick Rizzs, Mariners Announcer
Rick Rizzs's retirement marks the end of an era for the Seattle Mariners, as he leaves behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and community engagement that will be remembered by fans for generations to come.
