A Voice That Defined a Generation
Rick Rizzs, the longtime voice of the Seattle Mariners, announced his retirement after 41 years of broadcasting, marking the end of an era for the franchise and its fans.
Growing up in Chicago, Rizzs spent countless afternoons on sandlots, dreaming of the day he could call a game on the radio. At age twelve he penned a letter to Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Brickhouse, a gesture that foreshadowed a lifelong ambition.
After eight years navigating the minor leagues, he caught the attention of Mariners founder Dave Niehaus, who invited him to join the team's broadcast crew in 1983. Niehaus became both mentor and collaborator, shaping Rizzs's energetic style that would become synonymous with Mariners baseball.
Family, Travel and New Horizons
Now stepping away from the microphone, Rizzs plans to devote more time to his three grandchildren and to explore the world, with a trip to Italy on the horizon where he hopes to meet Pope Leo. He remains committed to the Mariners organization, considering roles within the alumni network and other contributions that keep the team's story alive.
His signature exclamation — 'Holy smokes!' — has become a rallying cry for fans, encapsulating the excitement he felt while delivering play‑by‑play commentary. Though the broadcast booth will feel quieter, his influence endures in the countless moments he helped capture.