Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh delivered an impressive performance at the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, held on a warm and humid night at Truist Park. Raleigh defeated Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in the finals, securing his place in baseball history. In addition to the coveted trophy featuring two silver baseball bats, Raleigh was awarded a striking championship chain adorned with the words “Derby Champ.”
The evening held special significance for Raleigh, who had his father, Todd Raleigh, pitching for him and his 15-year-old brother serving as one of the catchers. With a remarkable season already in progress—boasting 38 home runs before the All-Star break—Raleigh demonstrated his powerful hitting throughout the competition.
“It just means the world,” Raleigh reflected after his victory. “I just can’t believe I won.” Todd Raleigh expressed pride in his son’s achievement, stating, “This is what they dream about,” capturing the essence of a family celebration intertwined with a sporting triumph.
Raleigh set the pace in the finals, starting on the left side of the plate. He quickly found his rhythm, launching seven home runs before taking a timeout halfway through the round. He added eight more in the final minute, including a dramatic shot that cleared the fence just as the buzzer sounded. In the bonus round, he hit three additional home runs, bringing his total to 18. Caminero needed to hit 19 to claim the win.
The competition was fierce, with Caminero initially sending balls flying into the left field stands. Despite a minor setback when a child caught one of his hits, he finished the timed portion with 14 home runs, needing five more in the bonus round. Ultimately, he fell short, concluding the night with a total of 15 home runs.
This event marked a significant milestone for the Raleigh family, fulfilling a dream that many baseball fans aspire to experience. After the contest, the Raleighs signed a baseball for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. “Kind of surreal,” Raleigh remarked. “You don’t think you’re gonna win it… The fact that you win it with your family – super special.”
Raleigh’s victory made him the first catcher and the first switch hitter to win the Home Run Derby, underscoring his remarkable achievement in the sport.
Power Display at the Derby
The Home Run Derby showcased some of baseball’s most exciting talent. Many fans were captivated by Jazz Chisholm Jr., a former division rival, who struggled in the first round, hitting only three home runs. The crowd rallied behind Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves, who managed 15 home runs but did not advance to the semifinals.
Young star James Wood of the Washington Nationals also made an impression, hitting a massive 486-foot home run, the first of many that soared over Truist Park’s right field wall. The first round saw Raleigh and Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics tied with 17 home runs, leading to a tiebreaker that Raleigh narrowly won.
As the semifinals unfolded, Byron Buxton struggled to replicate his earlier success, hitting only seven home runs. Caminero advanced to the final after showcasing his power with 21 home runs in the first round. Raleigh’s performance shone brightly as he hit 19 home runs, setting a high bar for his competitors.
In a standout moment, O’Neil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates launched the longest shot of the night at 513 feet. Despite his impressive total of 13 home runs, he could not surpass Raleigh’s earlier performance, leading to the highly anticipated final showdown between Raleigh and Caminero.
With his win, Raleigh not only took home a prize of $1 million, but he also set the stage for his participation in the upcoming All-Star Game, where he will bat fourth for the American League squad. As he reflects on his remarkable journey, Raleigh’s story emphasizes the unique blend of family, passion, and sporting excellence that defines this iconic event in baseball history.
