Seattle Mariners designated hitter Cal Raleigh has been making headlines this season with his impressive power at the plate, regularly launching home runs to thrill fans. However, on July 8, 2025, during a game against the New York Yankees, a different kind of spotlight shone on Raleigh, leading to the viral spread of his amusing nickname, the “Big Dumper.” The moment unfolded at Comerica Park in Detroit, where a television broadcast zoomed in on Raleigh’s backside, prompting announcer Michael Kay to comment aloud on the origin of the moniker.
As Kay explained live on the YES Network,
“They gave him the nickname ‘Big Dumper’ because he has a pretty large posterior,”
followed by a chuckle when the cameras lingered,
“We’re getting a close-up! I don’t know if we need that, guys. Goodness.”
This playful exchange sparked widespread curiosity among fans eager to learn more about the name associated with one of baseball’s rising stars, especially during events like the Home Run Derby and pregame shows.
Cal Raleigh Opens Up About His Nickname on National Television
Raleigh finally addressed the nickname directly during a FOX Sports pregame broadcast featuring Hall of Famer David Ortiz, himself familiar with a memorable nickname—“Big Papi.” When Ortiz asked about the origin, Raleigh confirmed what many had suspected: the nickname is a straightforward reference to his physique. He stated plainly,
“It obviously comes from my b-tt. I’ve always had a large b-tt. It’s a blessing and a curse, I guess.”
The candid admission, delivered with good humor, helped demystify the nickname’s roots and endeared Raleigh even more to fans.
The nickname was originally coined not by fans but within the Mariners’ own clubhouse, specifically by Raleigh’s teammate Jarred Kelenic during their time at the team’s alternate training site in 2020 amid the pandemic. Kelenic made the nickname public when he wrote on social media about Raleigh’s ascent to the major leagues, posting, “Big dumper to the show” on X (formerly Twitter) in July 2021.
Initially, Raleigh was uncomfortable with the nickname. He confessed,
“It’s not the one you write up in your mind when you’re thinking of nicknames.”
Nonetheless, he eventually embraced it, recognizing its role in connecting with fans, stating in a 2023 interview,
“I love it. I think it’s great. It gets the fans involved and they have fun with it. And that is what it’s all about. It’s a good time.”
Though Raleigh has accepted the moniker, his family, especially his mother Stephanie Raleigh, has shown mixed feelings. In her own words, “It stinks,” but she acknowledged her son’s comfort with the nickname by adding,
“He’s accepted it, so I’m good with it, too. I won’t say I love it, though.”
This family dynamic highlights the personal side behind what fans see on the field and how nicknames can stir different reactions close to home.
How the Mariners Capitalized on the “Big Dumper” Craze
Recognizing the nickname’s popularity and potential marketing appeal, the Seattle Mariners organization embraced the “Big Dumper” phenomenon enthusiastically. Their promotional campaigns included a clever commercial for a fictional “Big Dumper Trucking” company and merchandise such as t-shirts emblazoned with
“We got junk in the trunk.”
At the team’s home stadium, T-Mobile Park, fans could purchase jerseys featuring “BIG DUMPER” across the back, and the club even hosted a special event honoring Raleigh with a “Platinum Dumper” bobblehead giveaway. These initiatives created significant fan engagement and demonstrated how a humorous nickname can evolve into a powerful brand.
Baseball has a long-standing tradition of colorful and quirky nicknames, with Raleigh’s “Big Dumper” adding to the rich fabric of the sport’s culture. Past players have gained monikers that reflected their personalities, appearances, or peculiar traits. Ron Cey, the Dodgers’ third baseman, was called “The Penguin” for his distinctive waddle on the bases, while Bill Lee, a Red Sox pitcher known for his eccentric antics, earned the nickname “Spaceman.” Richie Hebner was dubbed “The Gravedigger” due to his offseason work digging graves.
Other memorable names include pitcher Walter Beck’s “Boom-Boom,” inspired by the sound of his pitches hitting the wall, and Marlins closer Antonio Alfonseca’s “El Pulpo” (“The Octopus” in Spanish), owing to his unusual extra fingers. Mike Hargrove’s reputation for taking his time at the plate earned him the moniker “The Human Rain Delay.” In this context, the Mariners’ creative marketing campaign and fan embrace of Raleigh’s nickname put it firmly alongside baseball’s legendary roster of unique player identities.
Nickname’s Significance and Fan Impact Moving Forward
Cal Raleigh’s “Big Dumper” nickname has transcended ordinary player epithets by combining humor, personality, and marketing savvy. What started as a simple clubhouse joke has grown into a beloved element of his public image, enhancing fan connection and invigorating community enthusiasm. As Raleigh continues to perform at a high level and capture headlines, this playful nickname will likely remain a central part of his identity within the sport.
Beyond the personal story, the Mariners’ strategic embrace of the nickname exemplifies how sports teams can leverage player personas to deepen fan engagement and expand commercial opportunities. With events like bobblehead nights and specialty merchandise in place, Raleigh’s “Big Dumper” is poised to remain a celebrated piece of baseball culture, illustrating that a good nickname can become much more than a passing joke—it can define a player’s relationship with fans and the sport itself.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Cal Raleigh the big dumper?
A. The nickname became well-known thanks to Raleigh’s old teammate, Jarred Kelenic. When Raleigh got promoted to the Mariners, Kelenic tweeted, “Big dumper to the show.” It was the start of a superhero story.
Q. How much is Cal Raleigh paid?
A. Once the commissioner’s office approves the contract, he will receive a $10 million signing bonus. His salary is $1 million this year, $11 million in 2027, $12 million in 2028, and $23 million for each of the next three years.
Q. Is Cal Raleigh any good?
A. In 94 games, Cal Raleigh is the MLB leader with 38 home runs and 81 RBIs. He has also achieved a 6.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) score, according to FanGraphs. This puts him second in MLB right now, just behind Aaron Judge’s 7.1 WAR this season. Among all MLB catchers since 2015, his current WAR already ranks fourth for a full season.
Q. How much does Cal Raleigh make?
A. Seattle Mariners have signed catcher Cal Raleigh to a $105 million contract that lasts six years. This new deal was finalized on Wednesday.
Previously, Raleigh had a one-year, $5.6 million contract to dodge salary arbitration, agreed upon on January 9th.