Cal Raleigh

Seattle Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh Joins Elite Company With 54th Home Run

Justin Rimpi

You know that feeling when you’re just having a good day at the office? Well, Cal Raleigh is having one of those days, except his office is a Major League Baseball park, and his “good day” involves etching his name into the history books next to a baseball god.

On Sunday, the Seattle Mariners’ catcher, affectionately known as “Big Dumper,” didn’t even let the fans get comfortable in their seats. In the very first inning against the Los Angeles Angels, Raleigh decided it was time to make some noise. And boy, did he. He launched his 54th home run of the season, a majestic shot that landed him in some seriously elite company.

Raleigh Ties a Yankee Legend

With that one swing, Raleigh tied none other than Mickey Mantle for the most single-season home runs by a switch-hitter. Let that sink in. Mickey. Mantle. “The Commerce Comet” himself. The record stood since 1961, a time when your grandparents were probably listening to “Tossin’ and Turnin'” on the radio. For over 60 years, no switch-hitter had matched what Mantle did. Until now.

It’s one thing to have a power season; it’s another to put your name next to one of the most iconic figures in sports history. Raleigh isn’t just knocking on the door of baseball royalty; he’s kicking it down with a bat in both hands. The crowd knew it, showering him with a well-deserved “M-V-P!” chant as he rounded the bases. You could feel the electricity in the air. This wasn’t just another home run; it was a moment.

More Than Just One Record For Cal Raleigh

As if tying a legend wasn’t enough for a Sunday afternoon, that same home run also broke another record. It was Raleigh’s 43rd homer while playing catcher this season, pushing him past Javy Lopez for the most ever by a backstop in a single season. So, to recap: he’s now the switch-hitting home run king (tied, for now) and the undisputed single-season home run king for catchers. Not bad for a day’s work.

Now, the fun really begins. Every home run from here on out for Raleigh is uncharted territory. His next one will give him the switch-hitting record all to himself. Two more, and he ties Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record for the Mariners. Three, and he becomes the single greatest home-run hitter in Seattle’s history. It’s an exhilarating time to be a baseball fan, watching a player who is truly in the zone, rewriting history with every swing.

Justin has been a sportswriter for nearly a decade. He has previously written for 247 Sports an Sports Illustrated.

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