Ex-M's Broadcaster Rizzs `Shocked' By Tiger Firing

DETROIT - Rick Rizzs and Bob Rathbun always said they could only succeed Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey behind the microphone for Detroit Tigers games, not replace them.

Now, Rizzs and Rathbun have been replaced after three seasons on the job.

The Tigers and their flagship station, WJR-AM, on Friday dismissed Rizzs and Rathbun and named Frank Beckmann as lead play-by-play announcer. Beckmann's partner hasn't been named.

Rizzs, a Seattle Mariner broadcaster from 1982 to 1991, said he learned Friday afternoon that he and Rathbun were through.

"I'm shocked and surprised, and the timing, well, with Christmastime and all - but sometimes you get fired in this business and that's the way it goes," Rizzs told the Detroit Free Press in a report published yesterday. "I've got nothing negative to say about WJR or the Tigers because they gave me a great opportunity."

Phil Boyce, WJR program director, did not give reasons for sacking Rizzs and Rathbun. He said only that it was part of an agreement WJR signed Friday with Mike Ilitch, who owns the Tigers and the NHL's Detroit Red Wings, to broadcast both teams' games through 2000. The station will honor the final year of Rizzs' and Rathbun's contracts, Boyce said.

"When I came here, I knew it was going to be hard," Rizzs said. "I came in with my eyes wide open. We had some difficult times, got some negative press, but no matter what anyone says, I know I'm a good baseball announcer."