The Seattle Mariners have released a statement confirming the death of Dave Niehaus. According to the release, Niehaus passed away at his home after a heart attack. He was 75. His longtime announcing partner, Rick Rizz, was shocked and saddened by the news.
“What a loss,” Rizzs said. “Holy cow. I feel numb. He meant everything to Mariner baseball. Everything. He was not only the voice of the Mariners, he WAS the Mariners. He was the face of the franchise. When you turned on the radio, everything was right with the world when you heard Dave’s voice.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by fans of Seattle baseball near and far. Mariners CEO Chuck Armstrong and President Howard Lincoln also released a statement remembering Niehaus as a constant presence with the organization (via The Seattle Times)
“Dave has truly been the heart and soul of this franchise since its inception in 1977. Since calling Diego Segui’s first-pitch strike on Opening Night in the Kingdome some 34 years ago, Dave’s voice has been the constant with the franchise.”
Niehaus is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their three children, Andy, Matt and Greta. You can read the full press release over at Lookout Landing.