Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh hits during the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby on July 14 at Truist Park in Atlanta. Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Mariners Star Cal Raleigh Shares Heartfelt Message For Mother After Home Run Derby

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Teren Kowatsch | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 6:15 PM ET

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made MLB history (again) on Tuesday at Truist Park in Atlanta.

The Mariners All-Star backstop became the first catcher in MLB history to win the annual Home Run Derby since the event was introduced in 1985. He became the first Seattle player to win the event since Ken Griffey Jr. won his third in 1999.

Raleigh posted 17 homers in the first round, 19 in the semifinals and beat Tampa Bay Rays shortstop infielder Junior Caminero with 18 home runs in the finals.

Cal Raleigh's #HRDerby by the numbers:
Total HR: 54
HR of 425+: 31
Top distance: 471 ft
Avg distance: 430 ft
Total distance: 23,212 ft
Top exit velo: 112 MPH
Avg exit velo: 102 MPH pic.twitter.com/0pV6nGWLsA
— MLB (@MLB) July 15, 2025

It was a family affair for Raleigh on Tuesday. His father, Todd Raleigh, pitched to him throughout the event and his younger brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., caught for him.

Raleigh's father and brother weren't the only family in attendance. Raleigh's mother, Stephanie Raleigh, was also in attendance at the event. Raleigh wrote a heartfelt message on his mother's jersey, which was shared on "X" by MLB's official account.

"Mom, I love you so much! Thank you for all the sacrifice!"

Cal Raleigh wrote a special message for his mom on the back of her jersey

"Mom,

I love you so much! Thank you for all of the sacrifice!" pic.twitter.com/QJomK9vbN7
— MLB (@MLB) July 15, 2025

Raleigh is in the middle of the greatest season for a catcher in MLB history. Entering the All-Star Break, Raleigh had scored 65 times in 94 games and has hit 16 doubles and 38 home runs with 82 RBIs. He's slashed .259/.376/.634 with a 1.010 OPS. His 38 homers and 82 RBIs both led the major leagues at the All-Star Break. His 38 home runs are also the most by a catcher, the most by a switch-hitter and the most by an American League hitter before the All-Star Break in MLB history.

Raleigh's busy All-Star week will continue on Tuesday. He will be the American League's starting catcher in the 2025 All-Star Game, which takes place at 5 p.m. PT, also at Truist Park.

This article first appeared on Seattle Mariners on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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