SEATTLE -- As Rick Rizzs took the field at T-Mobile Park earlier this week, ahead of a wide-ranging recount to his career, he did so with his close furry friend attached to his hip.
Tucker, the Mariners’ clubhouse dog, has long known Rizzs as one of his easy targets for treats. But this week, the 8-year-old yellow Labrador and retriever mix has shown even more attachment to the iconic radio broadcaster.
Constantly on the move and on the prowl, Tucker typically keeps to himself when meandering the home clubhouse at T-Mobile Park, preferring for passersby to verbally say hello rather than give pets. But that hasn’t been the case during this final week of the 2026 regular season -- specifically with Rizzs, whom Tucker has quite literally leaned into these past few days.
Yes, even the dog appears to know the gravity of Rizzs’ farewell after 41 years in Seattle’s broadcast booth and 52 years in professional baseball.
“I'm ready,” Rizzs said. “When you get close to the end, you think, 'Do I really want to give this up?' So in a way, it kind of creeps up. But no, I'm ready for it. I was ready for this, like I said, a couple of years ago. And it's hard to say goodbye to something you love for so long.”
Rizzs will call his final game in Sunday’s matinee against the Angels, but that will merely be the bookend of a full weekend of celebrations for the longest-tenured broadcaster in franchise history.
When Rizzs arrived on Friday, all Mariners employees -- including players -- surprised him in the tunnel leading from the parking deck. All were wearing the white T-shirt that will be a giveaway for Sunday’s game that reads “Holy Smokes!” and has his face plastered across the middle. Even Tucker was wearing one.
After Friday’s 7-5 loss to the Angels, the club put on its final fireworks show of the season, themed around Rizzs. He will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Saturday.
“It's going to be rough for me the next [few] days because it's going to be so happy and so sad at the same time,” Rizzs said. “It's a combination of all these memories that I have.”
Longevity is a huge part to Rizzs’ story, and he still reiterates how grateful he is to former co-broadcaster Dave Niehaus for the opportunity to come to Seattle and the lessons he learned in their 25 years together. Niehaus, the 2008 winner of the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award, passed away in 2010 at the age of 75.
Rizzs still thinks about him every day, and he was asked what he thinks Niehaus would be most proud of if he were still here.
“That I carried on his legacy, number one, because when the bases are loaded and somebody hits a home run, I still want to get out the rye bread and mustard, and yell that it's ‘Grand salami time,’ Rizzs said, referencing Niehaus’ trademark call. “I want kids to remember that this guy was one of the greatest of all time behind a microphone.”
But there’s also the relatability that’s made Rizzs resonate for generations.
He connects with players on a daily basis, and it’s genuine. Even in this 2026 season that has been one of the franchise’s most disappointing, Rizzs has been a constant source of encouragement.
“For someone who has seen a lot of good baseball, a lot of bad baseball, and everything in between, it’s amazing how he comes in every day and he’s the same guy,” said Cal Raleigh, who will wear a Rizzs-themed chest protector this weekend. “You always talk about consistency in players and your attitude, and he’s the ultimate consistent model.”
That relentless positivity and unapologetic optimism is also why he’s endeared himself to an entire region of fans, spanning all ages. The club set up a “Holy Smokes” hotline (206-346-4299) for fans to call in and share farewell messages, and listening to them brought Rizzs to tears.
“We provide that entertainment, because there are a lot of people that have it a lot worse off than I've ever had,” Rizzs said. “I've been the luckiest man on the face of the earth. So losing a baseball game or having a tough year, yeah, it's rough, because you put your heart and soul into it every year and you want these guys to be successful.
“You want them to win, and the fans, this is for the fans. I want the fans to get to the World Series for the first time. But I've always been that way. I never give up.”
While this is a farewell within his permanent role, Rizzs will still be around. He’ll be a club ambassador moving forward, and next season, he’ll become the 12th member of the organization’s Hall of Fame, joining Niehaus as the only broadcasters among that group.
“When you think of baseball, you think of hot dogs, green grass, summer days -- and the radio announcer,” Raleigh said. “And you’re like, ‘That’s Rick for Seattle.’”