Rizzs announced he was retiring at the end of the 2026 season, and Hill discussed that and more on the most recent 'Refuse to Lose' podcast.
The Seattle Mariners are hoping to make the 2026 season a special one for longtime broadcaster Rick Rizzs, who announced that he was retiring after the campaign just about two weeks ago.
Rizzs has spent more than 50 years in a baseball broadcast booth, and 2026 will be his 41st with the Mariners.
“I’ve been blessed to live my dream as a baseball play-by-play announcer for the past 51-seasons, including 43 amazing seasons calling Major League baseball, 40 with the Seattle Mariners, three with the Detroit Tigers and eight in the minor leagues,” Rizzs said in a press release. “I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute, from my 25 years with the great Dave Niehaus and my friend, producer-engineer Kevin Cremin to my current partners, Gary Hill and Aaron Goldsmith.”
Rizzs currently occupies the radio booth with Hill, who is entering his second season as a full-time member of the in-game broadcast team. He worked for Rizzs for several years on the engineering side, as well on the M's pre-game show.
He joined the most recent edition of the 'Refuse to Lose' podcast to discuss the team as it heads into spring training, his career and working with Rizzs.
It's been an honor to be next to him and a true honor to be next to him in his final year. You know, I feel about Rick how everyone feels about Rick, because or me and just about everyone, he has been a part of our lives for our entire life. I mean, I don't know Mariners baseball without Rick Rizzs. And most people don't know Mariners baseball without Rick Rizzs. He's been our constant summer companion. He's been our friend for years and years, and he's been with us every single day for the Mariner season.
And, you know, I was a little kid, and I'll never forget it, listening to Dave and Rick on the radio every single day. And that's what sparked this whole thing for me. It's what triggered my passion for not only the Mariners, but for radio and baseball on the radio. I just loved it so much. You know, I was a kid that I'd make up... had my own dice game that I made up, and I would just broadcast these random games because I just fell in love with it. And from the time I was a kid: 'What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a Mariners broadcaster.' I don't remember a time that wasn't the answer, and that's because of Rick and Dave.
Also need to know
--Pitchers and catchers reported to spring training on Wednesday and manager Dan Wilson said there are no unexpected injuries to report on so far. That's certainly a good sign, given what we've seen around baseball so far.
--Mariners Roundtable will be at spring training beginning next week, Feb. 19. The M's open Cactus League play against the San Diego Padres on Feb. 20.
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