Seattle Mariners chairman John Stanton spoke warmly about broadcaster Rick Rizzs on Wednesday morning, prompting the veteran play-by-play announcer to reach for a box of tissues and glance around the team's interview room, bracing for the emotional moment ahead.
A Storied Career Comes to a Close
Rick Rizzs, who will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 season after an impressive 41 years in the broadcast booth for the Mariners, struggled to contain his tears as manager Dan Wilson, superstar catcher Cal Raleigh, and numerous other colleagues looked on. The 72-year-old broadcaster shared childhood memories of listening to and writing to former Chicago Cubs announcer Jack Brickhouse while growing up on Chicago's South Side, eventually succumbing to his emotions.
"You reach a stage where you're no longer that young child watching games on television," said an emotional Rizzs, "dreaming of being Jack Brickhouse at twelve years old."
From Minor Leagues to Major League Legacy
When Rizzs secured the opportunity to call Major League Baseball games after joining the Mariners in 1983, partnering with Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus, he had already realised his lifelong ambition. Following stints broadcasting minor league baseball in Alexandria, Virginia; Amarillo, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; and Memphis, Tennessee, Rizzs initially aimed for just one year in the big leagues. Instead, he has now spent over five decades in Major League Baseball, including a period broadcasting for the Detroit Tigers from 1992 to 1994.
However, it was in the Pacific Northwest that Rizzs truly became a household name, established deep roots, and contributed to some of the most iconic moments in Mariners franchise history. "I made Seattle my home," Rizzs affirmed. "I grew up in Chicago, but Seattle's my home."
Contemplating Retirement and Future Plans
Rizzs revealed he had been considering retirement for some time, even pondering ending his illustrious career after the highly successful 2025 season. After discussions with the Mariners organisation, he decided to embrace the spotlight and enter the 2026 campaign with the public aware it would be his final season.
While Rizzs has deeply valued his broadcasting career, he acknowledges missing out on many personal experiences and has spent considerable time reflecting on how he wishes to spend his remaining years. He plans to dedicate more time to his grandchildren, enjoy more rounds of golf, and travel to destinations of his choosing.
"I want to board a plane of my choice," Rizzs declared, eliciting laughter from the audience. "I want to visit places I desire to see. I want to travel to Italy and indulge in fantastic food."
Not Quite Finished Yet
Nevertheless, Rizzs emphasised he is not departing immediately. He intends to attend spring training annually in Peoria, Arizona, and remain closely involved with the Mariners. Moreover, he expressed hope that the team will improve upon last season's disappointing conclusion, where Seattle lost Game 7 of the American League Championship Series to the Toronto Blue Jays.
"We're going to reach the World Series this year," Rizzs asserted confidently, "and we're going to win it this year."
Cherishing Every Remaining Moment
Although the Mariners' on-field performance lies beyond Rizzs' control, he plans to savour every moment of his final season. He looks forward to arriving early at the ballpark, engaging in daily conversations with players and coaches, and relishing each remaining broadcast.
From Rizzs' perspective, everything since his inaugural season with the Mariners has been an extraordinary bonus. He has been present in the booth for the Mariners' magical 1995 journey to the AL Championship Series, which aligned with the King County Council approving funding for a new stadium. Rizzs also broadcast during the Mariners' remarkable 116-win season in 2001 and called Cal Raleigh's game-tying, eighth-inning home run against the Blue Jays in Game 5 of the 2025 ALCS.
Undoubtedly, when Rizzs described experiencing the "greatest life in the world," he meant every word sincerely. "This has been truly a joy," Rizzs reflected. "Lou Gehrig expressed it perfectly: I'm the luckiest man on the face of the Earth."
