Mariners' Radio Voice Rick Rizzs to Retire After 2026 Season

Longtime broadcaster ends historic 40-year run with the team.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Veteran Mariners radio broadcaster Rick Rizzs has announced he will retire after the 2026 season, concluding a 40-year career as the team's primary play-by-play voice. Rizzs, who is 72 years old, first joined the Mariners in 1983 and spent three seasons with the Detroit Tigers in the early 1990s before returning to Seattle in 1995.

Why it matters

Rizzs' retirement will mark the end of an era for Mariners fans, as he has been the consistent voice of the team through both good and bad seasons over the past four decades. His departure will leave a significant void in the organization and the local sports community.

The details

Rizzs called his 40-year tenure with the Mariners the 'highlight of my life.' He plans to work all home games and a limited number of road games in 2026 before stepping down to spend more time with his family. Off the field, Rizzs co-founded the Toys for Kids charity, which has supported thousands of children and families across the Pacific Northwest since 1995.

  • Rizzs joined the Mariners in 1983.
  • He spent three seasons with the Detroit Tigers in the early 1990s.
  • Rizzs returned to the Mariners in 1995.
  • Rizzs will retire after the 2026 season.

The players

Rick Rizzs

A 72-year-old veteran broadcaster who has been the primary radio voice of the Seattle Mariners for the past 40 years.

Dave Niehaus

A Hall of Fame broadcaster who worked alongside Rizzs when he first joined the Mariners in 1983.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Calling the job the 'highlight of my life,' Rizzs said he plans to work all home games and a limited number of road games in 2026 before retiring to spend more time with family.”

— Rick Rizzs (myclallamcounty.com)

What’s next

Rizzs will continue to call Mariners games throughout the 2026 season before officially retiring at the end of the year.

The takeaway

Rick Rizzs' retirement will mark the end of an era for Mariners fans, as he has been the consistent voice of the team through both good and bad seasons over the past four decades. His departure will leave a significant void in the organization and the local sports community, but his legacy as a beloved broadcaster and philanthropist will endure.