For Mariners legendary broadcaster Rick Rizzs, Opening Day isn’t just a game on the calendar—it is a personal holiday that combines the magic of Christmas, the fresh start of New Year’s, and the celebration of the Fourth of July. As he prepares to call his 41st and final season behind the microphone, Rizzs remains the team’s most tireless optimist, viewing the return of baseball as a “rebirth” filled with endless possibilities.
Now entering his 50th year in professional broadcasting, Rizzs recently announced that the 2026 season will be his last. He plans to retire to spend more time with his family, but he isn’t going out quietly. Reflecting on his long tenure—which began in Seattle in 1983 alongside the late Dave Niehaus—Rizzs noted that his love for the city and its fans has only deepened over the decades.
His final “lap” comes at a time of high expectations. Rizzs has publicly stated that he believes this specific Mariners roster has the talent to reach the World Series. He pointed to the team’s elite pitching rotation and key offseason acquisitions as the primary reasons for his confidence.
For Rizzs, the drive to the ballpark on Opening Day still brings the same “smile on his face” that it did decades ago. While he prepares for a life after baseball, his immediate focus remains on the “hope and anticipation” of a new season and the dream of making one final, championship-clinching call for the city he calls home.
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