Cal Raleigh Becomes 1st Mariner with 50 Home Runs Since Ken Griffey Jr.
SEATTLE — Following his remarkable achievement of being the only catcher to hit more than 20 home runs from both sides of the plate in a single season, Cal Raleigh made history yet again. Just one day later, he reached a significant milestone by recording his 50th home run, a feat that holds immense historical importance.
In an impressive eight-pitch confrontation against left-handed pitcher JP Sears, Raleigh turned a 0-2 count into a full count before smashing a low-and-in fastball 419 feet into the second deck at T-Mobile Park. “I was just trying to stay patient and fight off anything close,” Raleigh expressed after the game.
With this achievement, Raleigh now stands just four home runs short of matching the all-time record for most homers by a switch-hitter, a benchmark set by Mickey Mantle in 1961, and six shy of the Seattle Mariners’ franchise record held by Ken Griffey Jr. He is joining an elite club as only the second Mariner to reach the 50 home run mark.
Reaching the 50 homers threshold is a significant event in Major League Baseball, which has previously been accomplished by 33 different players. Raleigh has not only emerged as the first to achieve this milestone in 2025 but also leads the league with five more home runs than the second-place player, Shohei Ohtani.
As a player known for his explosive reputation, Raleigh noted that pitchers have started to pitch to him more cautiously. However, he is adeptly capitalizing on their mistakes, showcasing both composure and skill during at-bats. “Staying aware of how I’m being pitched is important, but I always want to focus on my strengths as a hitter,” he stated.
This recent homer was particularly noteworthy as it was hit while he was designated hitter, marking his 10th home run from that position and contributing to his total of 40 as a catcher. The record for most home runs in a single season while primarily playing as a catcher remains at 42, a feat set by Javy Lopez in 2003.
Despite the long season taking its toll on players, Raleigh feels strong and has maintained his routine diligently. The Mariners celebrated more than just his milestone, clinching the Vedder Cup trophy alongside their win against the Padres, further marking an extraordinary chapter in their season.
