Rick Rizzs, the iconic radio voice of the Seattle Mariners, has announced that the 2026 Major League Baseball season will be his final one behind the microphone, bringing to a close one of the most enduring careers in Seattle sports history.

At 72 years old, Rizzs will retire after his 41st season with the Mariners, a tenure that began in 1983 when he was hired to work alongside Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus. Except for a brief three‑year stint calling games for the Detroit Tigers in the early 1990s, Rizzs has been a fixture in the Mariners’ broadcast booth for more than four decades. His long service makes him the longest‑tenured broadcaster in franchise history, surpassing even Niehaus.

For fans across the Pacific Northwest, Rizzs’ voice has been the soundtrack to countless summer nights, playoff runs, and unforgettable moments in Mariners lore. He called some of the most celebrated games in team history, including dramatic playoff contests and milestone victories that have become part of the city’s baseball fabric.

In announcing his retirement, Rizzs reflected on his journey — from growing up a baseball fan in Chicago to living out his dream in the major leagues. He described calling Mariners games as “the highlight of my life,” and shared that part of his reason for stepping away is the desire to spend more time with family, travel, and enjoy life outside the booth.

The announcement has stirred emotion both inside and outside the organization. As Rizzs prepares for his final season, Mariners chairman and fans alike have praised his contributions, noting that his voice and presence helped define an era of Seattle baseball. Players, colleagues, and supporters have already begun to honor his impact on and off the air, with many expressing gratitude for the connection he fostered with the community.

Rizzs’ influence extends beyond the baseball diamond. Over the years, he’s been active in local charity work and community events, strengthening his bond with fans throughout the region.

As the 2026 season unfolds, Mariners fans will have one last chance to hear Rick Rizzs call the action — a chance to celebrate a broadcaster whose voice became synonymous with baseball in Seattle and who will be remembered as one of the true greats in the game’s broadcasting history.