BREAKING: Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh has just made history by hitting his 48th and 49th home runs of the season, setting a new single-season record for catchers. This remarkable achievement occurred on September 24, 2023, during a game against the Oakland Athletics.
Raleigh’s powerful swings came early in the game, launching two two-run homers off A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez in the first and second innings. With these hits, he not only surpassed the previous record of 48 home runs set by Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals in 2021, but also solidified his position as a leading force in Major League Baseball.
This season, Raleigh has recorded 40 home runs while playing primarily as a catcher, with an additional nine home runs as a designated hitter. This milestone places him among an elite group of players, including baseball legends like Johnny Bench, Roy Campanella, Todd Hundley, and Mike Piazza, all of whom have hit at least 40 homers in a single season while primarily playing catcher.
Raleigh’s journey to this record has been nothing short of impressive. In 2022, he launched 27 homers, followed by 30 in 2023 and 34 last season. Aged 28, Raleigh recently emerged as a national sensation when he won the All-Star Home Run Derby in July, making him the first switch-hitter and first catcher to take home the title.
With his recent homers, Raleigh now boasts a total of 106 RBIs this season, marking him as the first catcher to record consecutive seasons of 100 RBIs since Piazza’s streak from 1996 to 2000. He is also the first American League catcher to reach this milestone since Thurman Munson did so from 1975 to 1977.
This historic moment not only showcases Raleigh’s talent but also elevates his status within the Mariners organization, making him the second player to win the Home Run Derby after three-time champion Ken Griffey Jr.. As fans and analysts alike celebrate this achievement, Raleigh’s future in Major League Baseball looks brighter than ever.
The Mariners and their supporters are eager to see what more Raleigh can accomplish as the season progresses. With his record-setting performance, he has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the game, inspiring both teammates and fans across the league.
Stay tuned for updates as Raleigh continues to chase history and redefine what it means to be a catcher in today’s game.
