The Seattle Mariners are preparing to restart their season with a crucial three-game series against the Houston Astros beginning Friday at 7:10 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Park. Holding a 51-45 record, the Mariners occupy the final American League Wild Card spot, leading the Tampa Bay Rays by 1.5 games and trailing the Astros by five games in the AL West, as they look to maintain their postseason hopes driven largely by Cal Raleigh’s record-breaking season.
Overcoming Obstacles While Raleigh Emerges as a Key Player
This campaign has presented Seattle with unexpected difficulty, including significant injuries that have caused variations in team performance. Despite these hurdles, catcher Cal Raleigh has emerged as a standout figure. Prior to the season, Raleigh was already widely regarded as one of the best catchers in baseball, having won the American League’s Platinum Glove and finishing as a Silver Slugger finalist. He made headlines in 2024 by breaking the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB record for most home runs by a catcher in their first four seasons, surpassing Hall of Famer Mike Piazza with 93 homers.
Cal Raleigh’s Historic First-Half Numbers Lead the League
This year, Raleigh has taken his game to unprecedented heights. After 94 games, he has scored 65 runs, hit 16 doubles, and leads Major League Baseball with 38 home runs and 82 RBIs. His overall batting average sits at .259 with an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of 1.010, highlighting his exceptional offensive contribution. His 38 home runs are a new record for catchers, switch-hitters, and American League players prior to the All-Star break, marking a milestone rarely seen at this position.
A Defining Moment in Raleigh’s Breakout Season
Raleigh’s historic first half reached a high point on July 11 when he delivered a grand slam against the Detroit Tigers. This powerful swing added another memorable chapter to his season and emphasized his vital role within the Mariners’ lineup. His outstanding performance not only places him among the most valuable players in the game but also provides Seattle with a potential cornerstone to build on as they chase a playoff berth.
Implications for Mariners’ Playoff Prospects and Future Outlook
As the Mariners approach the decisive second half of the season, Cal Raleigh’s unprecedented power surge will be central to their pursuit of postseason success. With his combination of defensive skill and offensive dominance, Raleigh offers Seattle a dependable foundation amid the uncertainties posed by injuries and competition. His record-breaking season stands likely to inspire the team and fans alike as the Mariners aim to advance deep into the playoffs.
“I’ve been fortunate to contribute to the team in a big way and hope to keep it going into the playoffs.”
—Cal Raleigh, Mariners Catcher
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Cal Raleigh’s dad?
A. Todd Raleigh plans to hit home runs with pitches thrown by his father, who has been a college coach for many years.
Q. Why is Cal Raleigh known as the big dumper?
A. Former teammate Jarred Kelenic gave Raleigh his nickname during their time in the minor leagues, referring to the catcher’s noticeable backside.
Q. Who is Cal Raleigh’s father?
A. Raleigh’s dad, Todd, who used to coach at Tennessee and Western Carolina, threw pitches to him. His younger brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., was the catcher.
Q. What is Cal Raleigh’s real name?
A. Caleb John Raleigh, also known as “Big Dumper,” was born on November 26, 1996. He is an American baseball player who plays as a catcher for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB). Many people consider Raleigh to be one of the top power hitters, skilled catchers, and switch hitters in MLB.