Sir Rick Rizzs

Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs is knighted by Miss Seafair Rio Barber in recognition of his “contributions to Seattle’s quality of life.”

The Mariners already have King Felix and the King’s Court. Now we have Sir Rizzs. The Mariners longtime broadcaster was “Knighted” by Miss Seafair Rio Barber in a special ceremony near home plate at Safeco Field.

Each year, Seafair royalty honor deserving individuals for their contributions to Seattle’s quality of life.

As Rizzs knelt before her, Miss Seafair tapped him on each shoulder with a sword, declaring him the “Royal Sage of Safeco Field and the Prince of Play-by-Play.”

Rio noted that Rizzs has been “admired by fans for many years.”

In addition to his broadcasting duties, Rizzs is committed to community service. Rick’s Toys for Kids, the charity he founded with former Mariners players, including Dave Henderson, raises funds to buy holiday gifts for children in the greater Seattle area who might not otherwise receive them. With the help of the Seattle Mariners RBI Club, which puts on a fundraising dinner each year, Toys for Kids has raised more than $1 million, purchased more than 40,000 gifts and helped host more than 50 holiday parties since 1995.

After the knighting ceremony Rizzs quipped that he would like to be called Sir Ricks-A-Lot.

Seafair president Beth Knox and Miss Seafair Rio Barber flank Sir Rick Rizzs, Seafair’s newly-knighted Royal Sage of Safeco Field and Prince of Play-by-Play.”