Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is enjoying a standout 2025 season, leading the American League in home runs and becoming a top contender for the MVP award, rivaling frontrunner Aaron Judge. Raleigh, who also won the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby and served as the starting catcher in the All-Star game, appeared on the red carpet with his girlfriend, Hannah Shimek, sparking widespread interest in her background.
Shimek has gained visibility alongside Raleigh during key events such as The Mariners Care Foundation Summer Soirée and the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards ceremony in New York City in 2024. Their relationship began in 2023 and has since attracted attention due to Shimek’s impressive athletic and academic credentials.
Early Life and High School Achievements of Hannah Shimek
Born on April 18, 1999, in Seattle to Michele and Tomon Shimek, Hannah grew up in the Greater Seattle Area with her younger brother, Zach. She attended Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington, where she excelled in multiple sports, especially softball and basketball. A record-setting batter, Shimek holds the school’s career batting average record at .461.
During her senior year, she earned first-team All-KingCo honors as a shortstop while leading the country in runs, RBIs, and triples. Her batting average that year was .536, ranking second nationally. She displayed versatility by earning All-KingCo first-team selections in three different positions—second base in her junior year and center field as a sophomore—dominating with top national stats in batting average and on-base percentage.
Her athletic talents were matched by academic success, as she maintained honors status throughout high school.
College Career Highlights and Athletic Excellence at Southern Oregon University
After high school, Shimek attended Southern Oregon University, pursuing a double major in Communications and Business. She was recognized as the institution’s best women’s multisport athlete, reflecting her broad athletic prowess. On the softball field, Shimek posted a career batting average of .359 and earned distinctions such as an All-Cascade Conference honorable mention.
In postseason play, she stood out as the Raiders’ top hitter, maintaining a .490 average and hitting safely in 13 straight playoff games. Her speed was a significant asset, as she opened the season with 30 consecutive stolen bases and finished with a 16-game hitting streak.
Shimek also ranks highly in SOU’s single-season records, placing third in hits (84), fourth in RBIs (47) and runs (58), fifth in triples (5) and stolen bases (36), sixth in total bases (107), and seventh in doubles (13).
Impressive Sophomore and Senior Seasons Demonstrate Consistency
Her sophomore year was particularly noteworthy as she earned All-Cascade Conference first-team honors as well as Academic All-CCC recognition. Starting all 60 games at second base, she maintained a .345 batting average, drove in 54 RBIs, and scored 50 runs. She ranked second in stolen bases in the conference, fourth in runs, and held 30th place nationally for RBIs in the NAIA.
Shimek recorded 17 multi-hit games, including two four-hit performances, and managed notable streaks with a 10-game hitting run and 21 games reaching base consecutively. On February 8, she hit her first career home run against Ottawa while batting .294 in conference play.
During her abbreviated senior season, Shimek started 21 games at second base, delivering a .314 batting average, scoring 24 runs, 13 RBIs, and successfully stealing nine bases without being caught. By the end of her collegiate career, she ranked second in SOU history for hits (176), RBIs (114), and runs scored (132), with third place in stolen bases (69). Her academic achievements continued with honors in the Academic All-Cascade Conference.
The Impact of Hannah Shimek as Cal Raleigh’s Partner and Athlete
Hannah Shimek represents an inspiring blend of athletic skill and academic diligence. Her impressive softball career and professional experience in sales and marketing complement the rising star of her boyfriend, Cal Raleigh. As Raleigh continues his pursuit of the American League MVP in 2025, Shimek’s own accomplishments provide a strong foundation of support and shared excellence.
With both showing upward trajectories—Raleigh making headlines in Major League Baseball and Shimek building a career in the Greater Seattle Area—the couple embodies dedication and achievement on multiple fronts. Shimek’s record-breaking athletic background and continued professional success suggest she will remain a notable figure alongside the Mariners’ superstar in the coming years.
“I’m really proud of how far we’ve both come, and it means a lot to have her support on and off the field.”
—Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners catcher
“Hannah’s determination and hard work have always inspired me, whether it’s on the softball diamond or in her career.”
—Michele Shimek, mother
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Cal Raleigh’s dad?
A. Todd Raleigh, whose father has been a college coach for many years, will hit the pitches his dad throws in hopes of getting home runs.
Q. Is Cal Raleigh any good?
A. In 94 games, Cal Raleigh hit 38 home runs and had 81 RBIs, leading MLB in these stats.
His Wins Above Replacement, according to FanGraphs, is 6.2, placing him second in the league this season, just behind Aaron Judge with 7.1.
Since 2015, Raleigh’s WAR is the fourth highest for all MLB catchers over a full season.
Q. Who is Cal Raleigh’s father?
A. Raleigh’s father, Todd, who used to coach at Tennessee and Western Carolina, pitched to him. Raleigh’s younger brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., played the role of catcher.
Q. What is Cal Raleigh’s real name?
A. Caleb John Raleigh, born November 26, 1996, is a professional baseball player known as “Big Dumper.” He plays as a catcher for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB). Raleigh is seen as one of the top power hitters, skilled catchers, and talented switch hitters in the MLB.