Seattle Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh is making headlines during the 2025 season, thrilling fans and analysts with his outstanding performance. On Monday, Raleigh captured the All-Star Home Run Derby crown by defeating Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero, marking a historic milestone for both himself and the Mariners franchise. Bryan Woo, a teammate of Raleigh’s, expressed amazement at the catcher’s unprecedented season.

Raleigh’s victory made him the first catcher and switch-hitter to ever claim the Home Run Derby title. Furthermore, he is the first Mariners player to win the competition since Ken Griffey Jr. achieved the feat in 1999. These achievements add to a season already filled with historic moments, leaving even those close to him in disbelief.

Teammate Bryan Woo Reacts to Raleigh’s Unbelievable Performance

Reflecting on Raleigh’s season, Bryan Woo shared his awe during an ESPN interview, highlighting the continual escalation of Raleigh’s impact on the game. Woo described the gradual realization among players and fans that this was no ordinary season, but rather one filled with historic significance.

“At the beginning of the year, it was like, ‘All right, he is off to a great start.’ And then he just kept going and it was like, ‘Wow, this is pretty cool.’ And then it was like, ‘Holy s**t, he’s going off.’ And now it’s kind of just like, ‘What is going on?’ Over the last month, I feel like everybody realized it’s a historic season.” —Bryan Woo, Seattle Mariners pitcher

“It’s not just a really good one or one of the best in the league – it’s something that’s never been done. At this point, most guys are just kind of looking at each other every time he hits a homer or has a really good game. We don’t really know what to make of it. We’re kind of just as dumbfounded as all the fans are,” he added.

This remarkable surge has brought Raleigh impressive stats, including 347 at-bats with a batting average of .259, along with 65 runs scored, 38 home runs, and 82 RBIs, solidifying his role as one of the most potent offensive threats in the league.

Cal Raleigh and His Family Share Their Emotions Following Derby Triumph

Raleigh’s Home Run Derby success has generated widespread acclaim, but the emotional reactions from Raleigh and his family added a deeply personal element. Speaking during the ESPN broadcast, Raleigh described how much the accomplishment meant to him beyond the numbers.

“It means the world. I could hit zero home runs, and I would’ve had just as much fun. It’s unbelievable.” —Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners catcher

His father, Todd Raleigh, a former collegiate coach with the Tennessee Volunteers, also expressed heartfelt gratitude after his son’s win. He acknowledged the unique nature of this Derby experience, emphasizing the importance of sharing the journey as a family.

“To do it as a family has been really special. I don’t know why we’ve been blessed like this. God is great. I can’t put it in words,” he said via Today.com. “This derby was huge when we heard about it, but when it involved the family, the complexion of it changed. It was all a family thing, and I felt like, ‘You know what, if he doesn’t hit any home runs, we’re still going to be good.'”

Raleigh himself echoed these sentiments, calling the win especially meaningful because of the family support involved throughout the event.

Significance of Raleigh’s Derby Victory for Mariners and Baseball

Cal Raleigh’s 2025 All-Star Home Run Derby victory represents not only a personal triumph but also a landmark moment for the Seattle Mariners, who have waited over two decades for a player to replicate such a feat. His combination of catching and switch-hitting skills breaks new ground in the competition’s history and signals his emergence as a major league star.

Bryan Woo’s astonishment and Raleigh’s heartfelt reflections underscore how rare and remarkable this season is. As Raleigh continues to produce at an elite level, the Mariners and their fans are optimistic about the lasting impact he could have on the team’s success and the sport. This triumph also elevates the profile of the Home Run Derby as a stage where history can be rewritten with every swing.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Bryan Woo Chinese or Korean?

A. Bryan Joseph Woo, born on January 30, 2000, is a Chinese-American baseball player. He pitches for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball. Woo played his first MLB game in 2023. He became an All-Star player for the first time in 2025.