Seattle Mariners Broadcaster Rick Rizzs Announces Retirement After 2026 Season
In an emotional press conference on Wednesday morning, Seattle Mariners chairman John Stanton paid tribute to Rick Rizzs, the team's longtime play-by-play broadcaster, who revealed his plans to retire at the end of the 2026 season. As Stanton spoke, Rizzs, visibly moved, kept a box of tissues nearby, anticipating the tears that would soon flow in front of manager Dan Wilson, superstar Cal Raleigh, and dozens of other attendees.
A Career Spanning Over Four Decades
Rizzs, now 72 years old, will complete his 41st year in the booth with the Mariners before stepping down. He recounted his childhood on Chicago's South Side, where he listened to and wrote letters to former Cubs broadcaster Jack Brickhouse, dreaming of a similar career. "You get to a certain point where you're not that little kid watching the games on TV," said an emotional Rizzs, "wishing you were Jack Brickhouse at 12 years old."
His journey to the majors began after broadcasting minor league games in cities like Alexandria, Virginia; Amarillo, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; and Memphis, Tennessee. Hired by the Mariners in 1983 to work alongside Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus, Rizzs initially aimed for just one year in the big leagues. Instead, he has spent over five decades in Major League Baseball, including a stint with the Detroit Tigers from 1992 to 1994.
Seattle Becomes Home for Rizzs
In the Pacific Northwest, Rizzs became a household name and was integral to some of the Mariners' most historic moments. "I made Seattle my home," Rizzs emphasized. "I grew up in Chicago, but Seattle's my home." He has been behind the microphone for iconic events, such as the team's magical 1995 run to the American League Championship Series, the 116-win season in 2001, and Cal Raleigh's game-tying home run in the 2025 ALCS.
After contemplating retirement, Rizzs decided, in consultation with the Mariners, to make the 2026 season his farewell tour, allowing fans to celebrate his legacy. He reflected on the sacrifices of his career, noting missed family time, and now looks forward to focusing on personal pursuits.
Future Plans and World Series Aspirations
Rizzs plans to spend more time with his grandchildren, play golf, and travel to destinations like Italy, where he joked about "eating my brains out." However, he assured that he is not stepping away entirely; he intends to attend spring training in Peoria, Arizona, and remain involved with the Mariners.
Looking ahead, Rizzs expressed high hopes for the team's performance, stating, "We're going to get to the World Series this year, and we're going to win it this year." While the on-field outcomes are beyond his control, he aims to cherish every moment of his final seasons, from arriving early at the ballpark to daily interactions with players and coaches.
A Legacy of Joy and Gratitude
Reflecting on his career, Rizzs described it as "truly a joy" and quoted Lou Gehrig, saying, "I'm the luckiest man on the face of the Earth." He views his time with the Mariners as "gravy" after that first season, emphasizing the fulfillment of living his childhood dream. As he prepares for his last broadcast in 2026, Rizzs leaves behind a legacy of passion and dedication that has endeared him to fans across generations.
