1995 Play-Offs	1997

Since 1977 Dave Niehaus is the only play-by-play announce Mariner fans have known. His partners have come and gone but he is the last original Mariner. Former owner Danny Kaye knew of Dave while broadcasting California Angel games on the Radio with Dick Enberg and Don Drysdale. At first he was not very excited to interview for the new position in Seattle since he had been doing Rams, Angels, and UCLA games plus 2 young kids in the house. But Danny Kaye persisted because he wanted HIM for the job. And Danny got his man.

It is hard to imagine listening to a game without Dave but he says it took a few years for people in Seattle to accept him. "I wasn't the most popular guy. Not right out of the gate. It took a few years. People were unhappy that a local guy didn't get the job. It took a good three or four years before I was accepted."

Dave with Ken Wilson - 1980	With Rick Rizz - 1985

With Ron Fairly - 1994

Ken Wilson was his first partner but left after 6 years to do St. Louis Blues hockey games. Rick Rizz followed Wilson as the No. 2 man. He stayed 9 season before taking the job with the Detroit Tigers in 1992. In 1995 Rick re-joined Dave and has stayed ever since. During his time away though, Ken Levine and Ron Fairly shared the microphone with Niehaus.

When asked what his most favorite memory is he says Opening Night 1977. "There were something like 58,000 fans in the Kingdome, and we opened against the Angels - the team I had just worked for. The Angels shut us out the first two games, then we finally won the third night in the infamous Bill Laxton game."

Autographed 1995 Program

Niehaus' Partners
Radio Partners
Ken Wilson	1977-85
Rick Rizz	1983-91, 1995-
Ken Levine	1992-1994
Ron Fairly	1993-
TV Partners
Ken Wilson	1977-82
Bill Freeman	1979-80
Don Poier	1981
Wes Stock	1982-83
Rick Rizz	1983-91, 1995-
Nellie Briles	1985
Ken Brett	1986
Joe Simpson	1987-91
Billy Sample	1992
Ken Levine	1992-94
Ron Fairly	1993-
Chip Caray	1993-94

Early 1980's bumpersticker

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