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In a thrilling prelude to the American League Championship Series (ALCS), Cal Raleigh stands ready to unleash his prowess against the Toronto Blue Jays, a team he has consistently tormented over the years. As the Seattle Mariners prepare for the series starting Sunday night, all eyes are on Raleigh, who has gained a reputation as one of the most formidable threats to the Blue Jays’ pitching staff.
Raleigh’s career against the Blue Jays is nothing short of impressive. In 26 games, including postseason appearances, he has hit 11 home runs along with an astonishing OPS of 1.062. Notably, his performances at Rogers Centre have been historic, boasting a .300 batting average, eight home runs, and a slugging percentage that ranks at the top among players with at least 56 plate appearances at the venue. “No, not particularly,” Raleigh admits when asked about his success, but he confidently acknowledges the challenge and excitement of playing against Toronto.
Cal Raleigh’s Postseason Legacy Against Toronto
Raleigh’s most memorable moments against the Blue Jays came during the 2022 AL Wild Card Series. The Mariners, perceived as heavy underdogs, produced one of the greatest comebacks in postseason history and Raleigh played a key role. In Game 1, he set the tone with a significant home run, while in Game 2, he facilitated crucial runs that helped lead Seattle to victory.
Despite his success, Raleigh has often seemed to fly under the radar in discussions outside of the Pacific Northwest. However, his status among Blue Jays fans is well-established, leading to embers of rivalry that have intensified in recent seasons. This included a war of words with Blue Jays manager John Schneider in 2024, following a strong performance by Raleigh that resulted in Schneider’s remark about not being challenging to pitch against. Raleigh’s biting reply emphasized the competitive nature that now fuels this ALCS matchup.
Preparation and Performance: Ready for the Challenge
Cal Raleigh has been on a remarkable trajectory this season, having recently completed a 60-homer campaign, and he is anticipated to contend for the AL MVP Award. Mariners’ pitcher Kevin Gausman, set to start for Toronto in Game 1, acknowledged Raleigh’s formidable skill, stating, “What a season he’s had… To catch as many games as he has, what a season he’s put together.” As the two teams gear up for battle, both sides understand the stakes involved, especially after their intense competitive encounters over the last few years.
Raleigh will need to harness everything he has learned from those experiences as the Mariners enter a daunting challenge following a tightly contested victory over the Detroit Tigers in the AL Division Series. He recently reflected on the emotional aspects of transitioning from the high-pressure environment of the playoffs to facing yet another elite team. “The mental part of it is definitely more exhausting than the physical,” Raleigh shared, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining focus and resilience.
As the MLB postseason unfolds, all baseball fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on Cal Raleigh as he seeks to build upon his legacy of dominance over the Blue Jays, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier talents.
FAQs about Cal Raleigh and the ALCS
How has Cal Raleigh performed against the Blue Jays in the past?
Cal Raleigh has hit 11 home runs with a 1.062 OPS in 26 games against the Blue Jays, showing consistent success.
What were Raleigh’s highlights in the 2022 postseason?
Raleigh played a crucial role in the Mariners’ AL Wild Card Series, including significant home runs and scoring important runs that led to their victory.
What is Raleigh’s current standing in MLB?
This season, Raleigh has achieved 60 home runs and is considered a top candidate for the AL MVP Award, showcasing his power-hitting ability.
How does Raleigh handle the pressure of the postseason?
Raleigh has mentioned that the mental strain of facing various pitchers in high-pressure situations is greater than the physical effort required.
What are the stakes for the Mariners in the upcoming series?
The Mariners are looking to advance further in the postseason, with Raleigh leading their charge against a historically tough opponent in Toronto.
