Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Mariners slugger makes history with two swings of the bat

By David Hill | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 10:14 PM ET

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has already made history this season.

Raleigh became the first catcher to hit 50 home runs on Aug. 25 when he connected on a JP Sears fastball in the second inning against the San Diego Padres. He has continued to hammer the ball since, getting closer to New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle for the most home runs in a season for a switch hitter and Mariners star Ken Griffey Jr. for the team record.

He carved his name into both history books on Tuesday. Raleigh, batting from the left side, crushed a Michael Wacha curveball in the third inning, hitting a 419-foot homer to right field to break Mantle's record.

A historic 55th for Cal Raleigh!

No switch-hitter has EVER had as many homers in a season #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/AkI86KzCTA
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 17, 2025

Raleigh was not done. Batting from the right side, Raleigh belted reliever Daniel Lynch IV's 2-2 offering to center field, a 425-foot blast for a two-run homer. That home run tied Griffey (56) for the Mariners' single-season franchise record.

THE YEAR OF CAL RALEIGH NEVER STOPS

56 HR this season and TWO tonight! pic.twitter.com/tOfHFmV1r2
— MLB (@MLB) September 17, 2025

Raleigh is easily Mariners MVP but will that be enough to take the AL honor?

The Mariners have fought their way back in the American League West, moving up the standings to take a narrow lead over the Astros for the division title. Raleigh has been a key part of that playoff push, capable of changing the game with one swing of the bat as he anchors the Mariners' lineup.

His performance, coupled with the Mariners' playoff push, would be more than enough to take home the AL MVP award most years. However, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been even more impressive this season and has had a better all-around season than Raleigh. He may have to settle for a runner-up finish despite his record-breaking season.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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