Mariners’ clubhouse leader Cal Raleigh can just do no wrong, as he becomes the first ever catcher to win the Home Run Derby.
Cal Raleigh may or may not end up surpassing Ken Griffey Jr. for the record of most home runs in a season by a Seattle Mariner. He may or may not end up catching Aaron Judge for the all-time AL record of homers in a year. However, what you can say definitively, is that he’s the 2025 Home Run Derby champion.
Raleigh currently holds the home run lead in the majors with 38 and is having an inspiring season, resulting in being named an All-Star for the first time in his career. Now, he’s also the first catcher in baseball history to win the Home Run Derby, and all thanks to a difference of just 0.09 feet.
The 28-year-old had 17 home runs in the pool round on Monday night at Truist Park in Atlanta, which tied him for fourth place with Brent Rooker of the Athletics. As a result it came down to a tie-breaker for who would advance, with Rooker’s longest blast of 470.54 feet falling just short of Raleigh’s furthest of 470.62 feet.
Cal Raleigh rises to the moment
It was an insane way for the Mariners’ clubhouse leader to advance, but he proceeded to take advantage of the situation by once again showing his clutch gene. He had 19 home runs in the semis to beat the Pirates’ Oneil Cruz and then 18 in the final over Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays.
As a result, Raleigh joins Griffey as the only Mariners to ever win the Home Run Derby, with the Hall of Famer having won it three times, in 1994, 1998 and 1999. The two stars shared a special moment following the contest on Monday night, which was thankfully caught on camera:
Raleigh was interviewed about his special achievement, and displayed his usual humbleness while also sharing some words of encouragement for aspiring youngsters with dreams of playing baseball. As per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, he said:
“Pretty cool. Hopefully can inspire some future catchers, future switch hitters out there.”
It turned out to be a family occasion on the night, as Raleigh’s father pitched to him while his younger brother served as catcher. The Cullowhee, North Carolina native said:
“The fact you win it with family — super special. Just, what a night.”
Raleigh acknowledged he was fortunate to be in the position he was, in keeping with his mentality of always remaining grateful and grounded. He said:
“It’s just crazy. An inch off and I’m not even in the final four, which is amazing. So I guess I got lucky there. One extra biscuit.”
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Ever so slightly awkward
Former Mariner Jarred Kelenic is credited with having come up with Raleigh’s nickname “Big Dumper”. However, with the 2024 Platinum Glove Award winner admitting he’s not the biggest fan of his nickname, it led to a cringe-inducing moment prior to the Home Run Derby:
However, that was the only moment on the night that could be even perceived as being negative – and even that is a stretch. Heck, for all we know McAfee’s comments may well have helped motivate Raleigh to win, not that he usually needs any assistance with getting up for anything.
Overall, this Monday was a tremendous occasion for those watching, especially if you are a Mariners fan. We’re sure plenty will be tuning in again on Tuesday night for the All-Star Game, with Raleigh starting and Bryan Woo, Andrés Muñoz and Randy Arozarena all hoping to take part at some point.
Photos courtesy of Tim Rodgers Photography
What does Cal Raleigh mean to you as a fan? Where do you predict he will end up after he retires, when it comes to ranking him among the greatest players in Seattle Mariners history? Let us know in the comments section below.
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