Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes MLB history in multi-homer performance

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 12:39 AM ET

After an up-and-down past week, the Seattle Mariners opened their weekend series with a big win over a National League contender. And in the process, Cal Raleigh made MLB history.

Thanks to two home runs from Raleigh, who now has 29 on the year, the Mariners beat the Chicago Cubs 9-4 on Friday night.

Raleigh's home runs extended his Major League lead — he has two more than Yankees' star Aaron Judge, who hit one himself on the day. But his performance accomplished far more.

Raleigh tied and then passed Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, setting a new record for most home runs hit by a catcher prior to the All-Star break.

Cal Raleigh's 29 home runs give him the MOST by a catcher before the All-Star Break in @MLB history.
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) June 20, 2025

The five-year MLB veteran, amid a career-best season, hit his first of his two long balls on his first at-bat, connecting on a solo shot to left field.

That's No. 28 for Cal! #TridentsUp

https://t.co/Q16mvWsAww pic.twitter.com/JHdtV33Gu5
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 20, 2025

He then smashed a two-run blast out of Wrigley Field that broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh.

OUT OF THE BALLPARK! BIG DUMPER IS UNREAL!

https://t.co/Q16mvWsAww pic.twitter.com/h7r390svQ3
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 20, 2025

Raleigh finished the day, going 3-for-4 with the two home runs, three total RBI, three hits, four runs scored and a walk.

Friday was his first multi-homer game since hitting a pair in Los Angeles against the Angels on June 7. He now has five multi-homer games out of his 73 games played so far in 2025.

Raleigh is just five long balls away from reaching his previous single-season high from last season. One more would give him his third consecutive 30-homer season.

To go along with his 29 home runs, Raleigh has 63 RBI, putting him on pace to also surpass the 100 he registered in 2024.

Raleigh's overall slash line tells the story of his spike in production from his four prior seasons. He's hitting .273 with a .379 on base percentage and slugging .646.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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