Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made some incredible baseball history on Friday afternoon, homering twice against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Now with 29 homers, Raleigh has the most home runs ever hit by a catcher before the All-Star break, surpassing the 28 hit by Hall of Famer Johnny Bench in 1970.
Most homers by primary catcher before All-Star break:
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 20, 2025
2025 Cal Raleigh: 29 (73 games played)
1970 Johnny Bench: 28 (87)
2000 Ivan Rodriguez: 26 (80) https://t.co/gfmTPFVeVP
After Raleigh hit the historic blast, the Everett AquaSox took an opportunity to remind the public of when Raleigh suited up for them. Everett is the High-A affiliate of the Mariners now, but they were previously the short-season A-ball affiliate.
We have always known that Cal Raleigh has had superman strength at the plate. He now has the most home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break. Congrats Cal!
We have always known that Cal Raleigh has had superman strength at the plate. He now has the most home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break. Congrats Cal! pic.twitter.com/QOv2PgqWKa
— Everett AquaSox (@EverettAquaSox) June 20, 2025
Raleigh played 38 games for Everett in 2018 after getting drafted out of Florida State. He hit .288 with eight home runs in that season before moving onto full season affiliates in 2019.
The "Big Dumper" has asserted himself as the best catcher in the game at this point. After winning the Silver Slugger last year, he is a lock for the All-Star Game this season. When he officially gets announced to the American League team, it will be the first selection of his career.
In addition to Raleigh, the M's could also see Julio Rodriguez, Bryan Woo, Andres Munoz and Bryan Woo make the All-Star Game.
The M's entered play on Friday at 37-36 and in second place in the American League West. They are also just outside the third wild card spot.
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