Marine Layer Podcast · Just Baseball Media

Episode 370: Rick Rizzs (Mariners Broadcaster)

February 27, 2026·58 min·3 clips

Rick Riz recalls opening day in 1983 with Dave Niehaus at the Kingdome.

1. Marine Layer Podcast episode 370 records live from Mariner spring training in Peoria with Rick Riz as the guest. 2. Rick Riz, the Mariners broadcaster in his 41st and final season, joins hosts TJ and Lyle to talk about Mariners memories and his retirement. 3. The episode asks what Riz will remember most, what he plans to do after broadcasting, and why this Mariners group feels different. 4. The hosts say spring training creates long waits, but it also creates more chances for long-form interviews with players. 5. Brendan Donovan becomes a focus because he is already taking reps before 8 a.m. and continuing to hit for hours. 6. Donovan is described using a weighted batting tool, taking timing swings in the bullpen area, and stepping into a cage against a pitcher without swinging. 7. The hosts say Donovan is quiet but not without things to say, and they contrast his style with Victor Robles. 8. Rob Refsnyder also spends a long stretch in the cages, then tells the hosts he wants to stay at the game and watch Joey Cantillo. 9. Refsnyder says Cantillo is a left-handed starter the Mariners may see in the first weekend of the season, so he wants to study him early. 10. The hosts treat that as evidence of the work ethic they see across the Mariners roster, including Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, JP Crawford, Josh Naylor, Gabe Speier, and Dom Canzone. 11. Rick Riz says he has been thinking about retirement for a couple of years because his son died and several close friends passed away. 12. Riz says he is 72 years old and has lived his dream for 51 or 52 years, including eight minor league seasons and three years with the Detroit Tigers. 13. He traces his broadcast path back to writing Jack Brickhouse as a 12-year-old in Chicago and wanting to become a Major League broadcaster. 14. Riz remembers opening day in 1983 with Dave Niehaus in the Kingdome, calling Gaylord Perry against Ron Guidry. 15. He says his first season in Detroit led to a difficult exit, then to Ernie Harwell telling him to apply for the Tigers job, and then to Dave Niehaus helping bring him back to Seattle. 16. Riz says he is grateful he did not miss 1995 and calls it the year that saved baseball in Seattle. 17. Riz says his retirement will still include ballpark visits, four season tickets, cold beverages, and time with friends and family. 18. He also says he wants to spend more time with grandkids Jackson, Braden, and his 11-year-old granddaughter in Wenatchee, who skates figure skating and wants the Olympics. 19. The interview tone is warm and reflective, with Riz speaking slowly and the hosts clearly treating it as a career milestone. 20. Fans who know Mariners history and radio voices will love this episode. 21. Listeners wanting only analysis of current roster moves may skip it.

As heard by us

A spring-training hangout that doubles as a sincere farewell to a Mariners voice.

Marine Layer starts in Peoria with spring-training chatter, then settles into a farewell sit-down with the Mariners broadcaster in his 41st and final season.

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Why you'd press play

For Rick Ruiz's farewell, with Peoria spring-training notes and Mariners nostalgia in one listen.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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