Image Source: MLB.com
Cal Raleigh continues to make waves in Major League Baseball with his astonishing performance this season. On June 21, 2025, the Seattle Mariners’ catcher hit his 30th home run of the season during a game against the Chicago Cubs, marking a historic achievement for switch-hitters and catchers alike.
Raleigh’s home run came in the ninth inning of a close match that ended with a score of 10-7 in favor of the Cubs. This remarkable feat has not only solidified his position among the top of the historical leaderboards but also demonstrated his exceptional resilience as he managed to hit the milestone while battling oppressive 94-degree heat. Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised Raleigh, stating, “He’s a fighter.”
Historic Achievements by Cal Raleigh
With his 30 home runs before the All-Star break, Raleigh has surpassed notable players like Mickey Mantle, José Ramírez, and Lance Berkman for the most homers by a switch-hitter in that timeframe. Furthermore, he broke Johnny Bench‘s record for the most home runs hit by a primary catcher before the All-Star break.
This achievement ties him with Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr., who has hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break thrice in his career. Raleigh’s power-packed display also positioned him among the fastest players to reach 30 home runs, achieving this milestone in just 75 games. He now joins an elite list that includes the likes of Babe Ruth, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Reggie Jackson, and others who have reached this feat so early in a season.
Impact on Mariners’ Season
Raleigh’s offensive prowess doesn’t stop there; he is currently on pace to hit an incredible 65 home runs this season. If he continues on this trajectory, he could break the single-season record for a primary catcher, which currently stands at 48 home runs, held by Salvador Perez in 2021. Additionally, he aims to eclipse Mantle’s record of 54 home runs as a switch-hitter.
“Thirty home runs is impressive, and we’re not even at the halfway point. He’s good,” commented Cubs manager Craig Counsell, acknowledging the impact Raleigh has made this season.
Consistency and Records Continue
Raleigh has shown remarkable consistency, tallying 34 homers in the 2024 season, which has placed him in elite company, joining Hall of Famers Mike Piazza, Johnny Bench, and Roy Campanella as the only catchers in MLB history with three or more such seasons.
In the recent series against the Cubs, Raleigh has been on fire, hitting three home runs, tying him with teammate Jarred Kelenic for the franchise record at Wrigley Field. This is particularly impressive considering that the Mariners have visited the iconic ballpark infrequently prior to the more balanced schedule introduced in 2023.
Cal Raleigh’s on-field efforts have not gone unnoticed, and fans are eagerly watching to see how far he can go this season. His ambition matches his talent, and the baseball community is excited about the prospect of keeping up with this remarkable player.
FAQ About Cal Raleigh
What records has Cal Raleigh broken this season?
Cal Raleigh has set the record for the most home runs hit by a switch-hitter before the All-Star break, surpassing legends like Mickey Mantle and José Ramírez.
How many home runs does Raleigh have this season?
As of June 21, 2025, Cal Raleigh has hit 30 home runs this season.
Who are some other catchers with 30+ home runs in a season?
Raleigh joins Hall of Famers such as Mike Piazza and Johnny Bench, who have also achieved three or more seasons with 30 or more home runs.
What is Raleigh’s projected home run total for this season?
If he maintains his current pace, Raleigh is projected to hit 65 home runs this season, breaking several existing records.