Cal Raleigh Reaches 50 Home Runs and Enters MLB History
In a memorable night for the Seattle Mariners, Cal Raleigh hit his 50th home run of the season, setting a new Major League record for a catcher and joining a select group of historical hitters.
Raleigh joins Mickey Mantle as the only switch-hitters in MLB history to reach 50 home runs in a season. In addition, he became the eighth player in league history to achieve this mark in the month of August.
The outstanding receiver also made history by being the first player to hit at least 20 home runs from each side of the plate in the same season, according to research data.
Raleigh’s historic hit, connected from the right side of the plate, traveled 419 feet, impacting the second level of left field against pitcher JP Sears of the San Diego Padres. This home run contributed to the Mariners’ victory with a score of 9-6, bringing them within 1.5 games of the Houston Astros at the top of the American League West.
Raleigh becomes the second Mariners player to hit 50 home runs in a season. Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. accomplished this feat with 56 home runs in 1997 and again in 1998.
In his last two appearances, Raleigh has shown impressive power, connecting three home runs. Home runs 48 and 49 were hit during the home victory on Sunday against the Athletics, with a score of 11-4.
The previous home run record for a catcher was held by Salvador Pérez, who hit 48 in 2021.
