Cal Raleigh Slams 41st Homer in Seattle Mariners' Loss

Where does this home-run barrage put Raleigh among other big hitters? Well, Raleigh is the first catcher and first switch-hitter in MLB history to have 40 homers by the end of July. Also, when looking at franchise records, Raleigh is the fifth different Mariner to hit at least 40 home runs in a single season. Raleigh joins the likes of Mariners superstars Ken Griffey Jr., Jay Buhner, Alex Rodriguez, and Nelson Cruz.

Cal Raleigh Shows No Signs of Slowing Down for Seattle

What's up with Raleigh? He's taking pitchers deep left and right. Raleigh isn't complaining one bit, though. He was overjoyed after hitting the 40-homer mark on Saturday night.

“They’re really good players,” Raleigh said about joining the Mariners' elite, according to MLB.com. “They’re some of the best that’s ever come through here. Very honored to be part of that group, it’s a cool thing. [I’ll] just try to keep going and see how far we can take it.”

Seattle manager Dan Wilson has been one of Raleigh's biggest advocates and talked about how he's gone about his business this season. Wilson made his comments here after Saturday's victory.

“As we’ve talked about all along, he’s just been so humble about it,” Wilson said. “... He doesn’t wear it, but I’m sure it feels great to get to 40. I’m sure he wants to get to 41 as soon as possible, because he knows it helps us win ballgames.”

Wilson might have been working his magic 8-Ball a little bit before Sunday's game. Raleigh got No. 41 at a time where the Mariners are looking to make up space in the American League West Division race. The Houston Astros were just swept by the Athletics in a four-game home series at Daikin Park in Houston.

Losing Sunday didn't help Seattle's cause much. If Raleigh keeps slamming dingers into August, though, the Mariners just might find themselves back in the AL West top spot.