The Mariners finished 2026 at 76-86 as Rick Rizzs called his final broadcast after 41 seasons. Logan Gilbert reached 200 strikeouts for the second time in his career, then was removed after a fifth-inning leadoff walk despite having a no-hitter.
The writer contrasts the finish with Seattle's previous season, when the team came within eight outs of reaching the World Series; the 2026 club had a minus-58 run differential. Emerson Hancock's breakout and 14-strikeout game are among the bright spots the writer recalls.
The writer says hearing Rizzs takes him back to watching games with his father, who died 20 years ago, and credits the broadcaster's narration with helping him find meaning in Mariners seasons.
