For more than four decades, the voice of Rick Rizzs has been the steady, comforting soundtrack of summer for baseball fans across the Pacific Northwest. In a move that marks the end of a historic era for the franchise, the Seattle Mariners have announced that their legendary play-by-play announcer will officially retire following the conclusion of the 2026 season. The Rick Rizzs retirement announcement ensures that one of the most recognizable voices in Major League Baseball will have a well-deserved farewell tour during what will be his 41st year in the broadcast booth.
A Storied Career in the Emerald City
The Rick Rizzs retirement news marks the beginning of the final chapter for a career that has spanned nearly the entire history of the Mariners franchise. Rizzs first arrived in Seattle in 1983, quickly establishing himself as a fixture of the team's radio and television coverage. Aside from a brief three-year stint calling games for the Chicago White Sox from 1992 to 1994, Rizzs has spent his entire professional life chronicling the highs and lows of the M's.
Throughout his tenure, Rizzs has served as the primary witness to the most iconic moments in Mariners history. From the early days of the franchise to the emergence of superstars like Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, and Edgar Martinez, Rizzs has been the narrator for generations of fans. He was there for the magical 1995 "Refuse to Lose" season and the record-setting 116-win campaign in 2001, providing the words that painted the picture for those listening at home, in their cars, or at the ballpark.
Bridging the Gap Between Eras
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Rizzs' legacy is his long-standing partnership with the late Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus. For decades, the duo formed one of the most respected and cherished broadcasting teams in the sport, known for their chemistry and deep love for the game. Following Niehaus’s passing in 2010, Rizzs became the primary link to the team's golden era, helping transition the broadcast booth into a new age while maintaining the traditions and warmth that fans had come to expect.
Rizzs’ ability to connect with listeners through the radio has been his hallmark. In an era where sports consumption has shifted heavily toward digital and visual media, his descriptive play-by-play remained a masterclass in traditional baseball broadcasting. His energetic delivery and signature calls have become part of the local lexicon, cementing his status as a true Seattle sports icon.
The Road to 2026: A Season-Long Celebration
By announcing his retirement well in advance of the 2026 season, the Mariners and Rizzs have provided the organization and the fanbase with a unique opportunity to celebrate his massive contributions. The 2026 campaign will serve as a victory lap for the broadcaster, allowing fans at T-Mobile Park and those listening across the Mariners Radio Network to show their appreciation for his 41 years of dedicated service.
The decision to retire after 2026 will bring his total time in the Seattle booth to over four decades, a level of longevity rarely seen in modern professional sports broadcasting. While the Mariners have not yet announced specific plans for his final season, it is expected that the team will honor him with various tributes and ceremonies throughout his final 162-game slate. This lead time allows for a proper goodbye to a man who has been a constant presence through multiple stadium moves and ownership changes.
The Future of the Mariners Broadcast Booth
The departure of Rizzs will leave a significant void in the Mariners' media landscape. The booth has already seen recent changes, most notably the departure of Dave Sims, who left the Mariners in late 2024 to become the radio play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees. As Rizzs prepares for his final two seasons, he remains the veteran anchor of a talented broadcast team that currently features Aaron Goldsmith and Gary Hill Jr.
Goldsmith and Hill Jr. represent the next generation of Mariners broadcasting, and their continued presence will provide some continuity as the team eventually moves into the post-Rizzs era. However, the loss of Rizzs’ institutional knowledge and his deep-rooted connection to the franchise's history will be felt deeply by the organization and the fans alike.
As the Mariners look toward the future, the 2025 and 2026 seasons will be a time for reflection on how much the game has changed since Rizzs first took the microphone in the Kingdome back in 1983. From the lean early years to the modern postseason pushes, Rizzs has been the one constant. His retirement signifies the closing of a major chapter in Pacific Northwest sports history, leaving behind a legacy of excellence that will be remembered long after his final out is called.
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