UPDATE: In an electrifying display of power, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh smashed his 49th home run just moments ago, soaring past Salvador Perez‘s record for the most home runs in a single season by a catcher. This historic achievement unfolded during a game against the Oakland Athletics on August 27, 2023, and Raleigh isn’t stopping there—he’s now eyeing the monumental milestone of 50 home runs before the season’s end.
The 24-year-old slugger hit back-to-back homers in the first two innings, proving his extraordinary prowess at the plate. With this achievement, Raleigh becomes the first catcher in MLB history to reach 49 home runs in a season, raising the stakes for his team as they vie for a playoff spot.
Raleigh’s season is nothing short of remarkable. Although he reached 30 home runs in the previous two seasons, the fact that we are still in August makes his current performance even more impressive. As he approaches the coveted 50-home run mark, fans and analysts alike are buzzing about where his season ranks among the most surprising power-hitting seasons in baseball history.
“Cal Raleigh stands alone! Big Dumper is the first catcher in MLB history to reach 49 home runs in a single season.” – Seattle Mariners’ official Twitter
As the league leader in home runs, Raleigh has put himself in elite company. Only Johnny Bench has previously led the majors in home runs as a catcher, hitting 45 in 1970. Bench played in a total of 158 games that season, while Raleigh has maintained his high level of performance with fewer plate appearances, making his achievement even more compelling.
Raleigh’s season has been characterized by power, but it has not come without challenges. He has hit 24 home runs at home and 25 on the road, showcasing his ability to perform in pitcher-friendly environments. However, the Mariners’ home park has limited some of his potential home runs, raising questions about how many more he could have hit in a less restrictive stadium.
Looking back, the record for home runs by a catcher playing exclusively behind the plate belongs to Javy Lopez, who hit 42 home runs in just 117 games for the Atlanta Braves in 2003. Lopez’s season was legendary, but with Raleigh’s endurance and consistent play, he is set to surpass that mark as he approaches the end of this season.
As the Mariners continue their push for a division title and wild-card slot, Raleigh’s contributions are invaluable. Yet, there are concerns about his health, as he has missed only three games this year. His recent struggles with strikeouts, including multiple games with five or more strikeouts, have raised eyebrows. Will manager Dan Wilson consider resting him to preserve his health for the playoffs?
Once Raleigh hits his 50th home run, he will join an exclusive club—only 51 seasons in MLB history have seen players hit 50 home runs, a feat accomplished by only 33 different players. The question remains: where will Raleigh’s season rank among the most surprising 50-homer seasons ever? Historical performances like those of Luis Gonzalez and George Foster serve as benchmarks, but Raleigh’s achievement as a catcher adds a unique twist.
For baseball fans, the excitement is palpable. Will Raleigh continue to defy expectations and etch his name into the record books further? As the Mariners push for postseason glory, all eyes will be on this power-hitting catcher who’s already making history.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow Cal Raleigh and the Mariners in the coming days. With the playoffs on the horizon, every home run counts, and fans are eager to see what happens next!
