Cal Raleigh Sets New Mariners Home Run Record
In a historic night for the Seattle Mariners, catcher Cal Raleigh broke the franchise record for home runs in a single season, surpassing the mark set by Ken Griffey Jr. Raleigh hit his 57th home run on Saturday night, approaching the coveted figure of 60, an achievement that few players have reached in MLB history.The previous record, set by Griffey in 1997 (56) and replicated in 1998, seemed unattainable given the difficulty of hitting home runs at the Mariners’ home field. In addition to this milestone, Raleigh has surpassed other significant marks this season, including the most home runs for a catcher and a switch-hitter in a season. If he manages to reach 60 home runs, Raleigh would become the seventh player in MLB history to achieve this feat. The home run that broke the record was an impressive hit against the Astros’ pitcher, Framber Valdez. Raleigh, batting from the right side, connected with a pitch that went over the right-center field, easily surpassing the Astros’ bullpen.It’s kind of strange to think about it. I really can’t wrap my head around it or understand it yet. I’m very grateful and it’s weird to be in the same sentence with him, for sure.
Cal Raleigh
This was Raleigh’s 18th home run of the season on a pitch in the outside third of the plate, the second highest in MLB. After hitting the home run, Raleigh calmly ran the bases, showing little emotion, and was greeted with joy by his teammates in the dugout. Raleigh has been in contact with Ken Griffey Jr. during the season, but hadn’t heard from him on Saturday night. In 1927, Babe Ruth was the first player to reach 60 home runs, a record that lasted 34 years. Then, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle threatened the mark in 1961. Maris broke Ruth’s record, although with a special designation because the season was 162 games, unlike Ruth’s 154. In 1998, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa competed for Maris’ record. McGwire set the record with 70, which was surpassed by Barry Bonds in 2001 with 73 home runs. Aaron Judge surpassed the American League record of Maris in 2022 with 62 home runs. Now, Raleigh is looking to reach 60 home runs and could threaten Judge’s record with seven games remaining on the Mariners’ schedule. In addition, Raleigh is competing with Judge for the American League MVP award.We’ve seen some epic home runs and doing it the other way in that part of the park batting right, it was very well connected. And another milestone for him. Incredible season.
Dan Wilson, Manager
