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The Program
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Brian Evison (L) presents Rick Rizzs with a check for Toys for Kids.
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With the regular program not available, President Goldfarb proposed that the Club hear District Governor Bob Wilson gives his DG talk once again. As an alternative, Goldfarb offered to give his Bar Mitzvah.
Instead, Brian Evison introduced Rick Rizzs, one-half of the play-by-play broadcast team for the Seattle Mariners. Several years ago, Rick and some former Mariner players wanted to have a meaningful project to support community needs. They settled on “Toys for Kids,” and to help the cause, the BBRC presented Rick with a check for $750 for their effort. The support group includes all past Mariner players and has raised over $30,000 this year. Rick explained how they go to Toys R Us, are given a discount, and they make their selections. The gifts go to patients at Children’s Hospital, Harborview, and five other hospitals in the area.
After presentation of the check, Rick wilted under pressure to continue discussing the Mariners’ prospects for the coming season. He said he was “happy to pinch hit for the Rabbi” Friday morning. Rick grew up in Chicago, where he followed both the Cubs and White Sox. After he went into broadcasting, he met a lady who remarked to him, “You’re a lot taller on the radio!”
So, “who would have guessed the Mariners would win a record-setting 116 games?” Rick observed that the team got off to a great start, winning a record 20 games in April. There are two major reasons why they had such a memorable season: “1) they had 25 great guys on the ball club; and 2) they played the game right. Ichiro took off early and never looked back. His speed was amazing, and with all his awards, he was the catalyst for this wonderful Mariner season.”
Rizzs expressed confidence that Brett Boone would be on the roster. “I hope he signs soon.” He said that “Lou Piniella is one of the greatest additions to the Mariners in this last decade. Since 1993, Lou has guided this club to many milestones. The 1995 playoffs were most memorable.”
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John Sheeran (L) and Robin Anderson talk with Rick Rizzs after Friday’s program.
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The M’s have acquired Ben Davis, former San Diego Padre, to play catcher. He will back up Dan Wilson, still the senior member of the catching staff. The club still has strong talent in minors. To name a few: Ryan Christenson, big league catcher; Antonio Perez, shortstop; Willie Bloomquist, infielder; Ryan Anderson and Gil Meche, are both special pitchers recovering from injuries. The M’s still have Joel Pinero on the pitching staff.
As announced by Pat Gillick, M’s GM, over the weekend, with the signing of Jeff Cirillo at third base, there are two major slots upon on the roster: left field and a spot on the starting pitching rotation.
Rick was asked about the major league plan for contraction. “I don’t like it. Twins made money last year and were competitive. Baseball needs to step up to the responsibility of support to all teams.”
Rizzs was asked about the current playoff structure, when it appeared that the two best teams didn’t end up in the World Series. Rick replied that the structure is all about TV money. “With three rounds of playoffs, the best teams may not survive.”
Carlos Guillen, stricken with TB at the end of the season, has recovered completely from his bout with this old disease. Rick observed that “all kinds of records were set in 2001. But, the most astonishing of all was the attendance of 3.5 million fans in Safeco Field, a number that outdrew all other franchises. We owe a great vote of thanks to all the fans.”
President Goldfarb presented Rick with his certificate indicating the purchase of 600 pounds of food through Rotary First Harvest.
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