SEATTLE – One of the most iconic voices in American baseball is preparing to say goodbye. Rick Rizzs – the “radio soul” of the Seattle Mariners for decades – is officially entering the final season of his illustrious career, marking the end of an irreplaceable era.
At age 72, Rizzs confirmed that the 2026 MLB season will be his last time holding a microphone, closing a journey of over 50 years in professional baseball, including more than 40 years with the Seattle Mariners.
For Mariners fans, Rick Rizzs is more than just a commentator – he is a part of their memories. From breathtaking home runs to historic team moments, his emotional voice became the “background sound” for a generation of baseball fans in the Pacific Northwest.
Joining the Mariners in 1983, Rizzs quickly became a close partner of legend Dave Niehaus, forming one of MLB’s most iconic commentary duos.
After Niehaus’s death in 2010, Rizzs became the team’s primary voice – and since then, he has been a living icon of the Mariners.
What makes Rizzs’ story special is not just the length of his career, but also his journey.
He once shared that his initial dream was simply “to call an MLB game for one year.” But that dream has lasted over half a century – 51 years in the industry, including time with the Detroit Tigers and smaller leagues before becoming a legend in Seattle.
Throughout his career, he witnessed and conveyed the most memorable milestones of the Mariners, from the magical 1995 season to the historic 116-win campaign in 2001.
Rizzs admitted that leaving the microphone was not an easy decision. But after many years of dedication, he wanted to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
“Calling up games for the Mariners was the greatest joy of my life,” he shared emotionally.
According to sources, he had considered retiring after the 2025 season but ultimately decided to make 2026 his official “farewell tour”—a year for fans to say goodbye.
Beyond the studio, Rizzs is also a highly influential figure in the community. He co-founded the charity “Toys for Kids” and has been involved in numerous activities supporting children, providing hundreds of thousands of gifts to needy families.
That made him beloved not only for his voice, but also for his heart.
The Seattle Mariners plan to turn the 2026 season into a tribute to Rizzs – who has been with the team longer than anyone else in the club’s broadcasting history.
Especially since this season coincides with the team’s 50th anniversary, the event is even more historically significant.
Fans are hoping for a beautiful ending: the Mariners winning their first World Series – as the perfect farewell gift for the “voice of Seattle.”
When Rick Rizzs leaves the microphone, the Mariners will lose not just a commentator, but a part of their identity.
In the world of sports, players come and go. But voices like Rizzs’ – those who tell history – are what endure the longest in the memories of fans.
And as the 2026 season draws to a close, there will be a moment of silence… where the familiar words once echoed:
“Goodbye baseball!”
A farewell not just to the game — but to a legend.
