UPDATE: In a thrilling display of power, Cal Raleigh smashed his 47th home run of the season during the MLB Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, bringing him within striking distance of the all-time record for catchers. The Seattle Mariners slugger’s impressive two-run shot came in the seventh inning, reinforcing his status as a major league leader and igniting cheers from young fans.
Despite Raleigh’s heroics, the Mariners fell to the New York Mets in a 7-3 defeat, marking a disappointing end to their three-game series. The Mariners remain in a tight race for the AL wild card as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Phillies tomorrow.
Raleigh’s achievement is monumental as he now aims to surpass the record of 48 home runs set by Salvador Perez in 2021. Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised Raleigh’s ongoing success, stating, “He continues to swing a really hot bat. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that.”
The excitement in Williamsport was palpable as Raleigh connected with fans. Earlier in the day, he signed baseballs and even autographed a toilet seat for a young fan, embodying the spirit of youth baseball. “You grow up wanting to come here as a kid. Get to do it as an adult now,” Raleigh told MLB Network. His engagement with the Little Leaguers highlighted the emotional impact of his performance.
This season, Raleigh has achieved remarkable milestones, including 102 RBIs, making him the first catcher since Mike Piazza to record back-to-back 100 RBI seasons. He joins an elite group of only five players in baseball history to hit at least 40 homers while primarily playing catcher, a list that includes Hall of Famers like Johnny Bench and Roy Campanella.
Raleigh’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. After winning the All-Star Home Run Derby earlier this season, he became the first switch-hitter and catcher to claim the title. His performance has captured national attention and solidified his status as one of the brightest stars in baseball today.
As the Mariners look ahead to their crucial series in Philadelphia, all eyes will be on Raleigh. With each swing, he inches closer to history, and fans are eagerly anticipating whether he can break the catcher’s home run record. “He’s just become a better hitter,” Wilson added, reflecting on Raleigh’s development.
Stay tuned for more updates as Raleigh continues his pursuit of greatness, and the Mariners fight to secure their place in the postseason. This is a story that promises to get even more exciting in the days to come.
