In an unforgettable event for young baseball players, Cal Raleigh, known as “The Big Dumper”, starred in a special moment by signing a toilet seat for a lucky fan, in addition to autographing balls and other objects for the excited Little League players. But the real surprise came later, when Raleigh connected his 47th home run of the season, solidifying himself as the leader in the Major Leagues and approaching the home run record for a catcher set by Salvador Pérez.
The two-run hit in the seventh inning unleashed the euphoria of hundreds of young baseball players present at the MLB Little League Classic, who celebrated Raleigh’s outstanding performance. Despite Raleigh’s effort, the Mariners fell to the New York Mets with a score of 7-3, losing the last two games of the series. The Mariners are staying in the fight for a spot in the American League wild card and will look to improve their position in the three-game series that will begin on Monday in Philadelphia. Raleigh could make history in Philadelphia, as Pérez hit 48 home runs for the Royals in 2021.Keep swinging hard.
Dan Wilson, Manager of the Mariners
Raleigh showed off his prowess at the most important youth baseball event, sporting a chest protector with a design of players’ and coaches’ cards from the Mariners when they were kids. In addition, he showed up at the clubhouse wearing a “Little Dumper” t-shirt, a gift from the young baseball players.I think he’s had an incredible season. We knew what he had inside. He’s done a great job of bringing it out.
Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager
Raleigh’s ability to hit home runs has always been evident. In 2022, he hit 27 home runs, 30 in 2023, and 34 last season. Now, he is on pace to easily surpass 50 home runs. Only five other players in Major League history have hit at least 40 home runs while primarily playing catcher: Pérez, Johnny Bench (twice), Roy Campanella, Todd Hundley, and Mike Piazza (twice). Bench, Campanella, and Piazza are Hall of Famers.We grow up wanting to come here as children. Now I can do it as an adult. It’s a lot of fun. Excited to meet the kids and hang out.
Cal Raleigh
Raleigh, who was first selected for the All-Star at 28 years old, rose to national fame by winning the All-Star Home Run Derby. He became the first switch hitter and the first catcher to win the title. Raleigh’s home run also gave him 102 RBIs this season. He is the first catcher to record consecutive 100-RBI seasons since Piazza and the first American League catcher to achieve that feat since Thurman Munson. More achievements still await him, and even a possible playoff qualification.Dan Wilson, Manager de los MarinersHe’s a guy we knew since he was in the minor leagues that he had a pretty high ceiling. What he does behind the plate and what he does now at the plate has been incredible. He has carried the weight of both things and has done very well.
Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager
