Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, nicknamed “Big Dumper,” launched his MLB-leading 39th home run of the season yesterday, powering the Mariners to a victory that snapped the Milwaukee Brewers’ 11-game winning streak. The historic blast, which tied Mickey Mantle’s 1961 record for the most home runs by a switch-hitter in a team’s first 101 games, solidified Raleigh’s place in baseball history.
The home run, a towering shot with an exit velocity of 113.2 mph, came in a crucial moment, showcasing Raleigh’s blend of raw power and clutch performance. This marked his fourth multi-homer game of the season, further cementing his reputation as one of MLB’s elite power threats. His 39 homers also set a new benchmark, surpassing any other primary-position catcher in their team’s first 101 games.
Raleigh’s 2025 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a .276 batting average, .383 on-base percentage, and 1.011 OPS through 94 games, he’s not only dominating as a slugger but also excelling defensively, having won the 2024 Platinum Glove Award. His recent Home Run Derby victory, the first by a catcher in MLB history, added another chapter to his storybook season.
Playing in the pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park, Raleigh’s power surge is even more impressive. He’s on pace to challenge records like Ken Griffey Jr.’s Mariners single-season mark of 56 and Mantle’s switch-hitter record of 54. As the All-Star catcher continues his historic campaign, fans and analysts alike are watching to see how many more milestones Raleigh will conquer in 2025.
