Cal Raleigh Ties Mickey Mantle’s Home Run Record and the Mariners Continue to Rise
In an electrifying encounter, Cal Raleigh tied Mickey Mantle’s home run record for a switch-hitter, hitting his 54th home run of the season. This achievement came as the Seattle Mariners continued their winning streak, defeating the Los Angeles Angels with a score of 11-2. Raleigh’s hit, connected from the left side of the plate, was a pitch that sent the ball towards left-center field, marking the beginning of the 2-0 lead in the first inning.Mantle, in 1961, achieved the same number of home runs with the New York Yankees. This moment marked a milestone for Raleigh, who recalled his admiration for Mantle since his childhood. Raleigh’s home run also represented his 43rd home run as a catcher this season, surpassing Javy López’s Atlanta record of 42 in 2003.“It’s hard not to be aware of what’s being said, people write to you and talk to you about it,” Raleigh told the media about his achievements. “I try not to pay too much attention to it. I’m glad we have something bigger to work for.”
Cal Raleigh
In his fifth season in the Major Leagues, Raleigh surpassed his personal best of 34 home runs from the previous year and is two away from tying the Mariners’ record, set by Ken Griffey Jr.“We admire everything he is achieving, offensively and defensively, and what he does with our pitching staff,” said Mariners manager Dan Wilson. “Also, he is making history with humility. He just wants to win, and that’s where it all comes from.”
Dan Wilson
George Kirby tied his career high with 14 strikeouts, solidifying the Mariners’ victory in a four-game sweep. The Mariners have won 20 of their last 23 home games. The Mariners (82-68) now lead the division, surpassing Houston (81-69) by one game, and have achieved nine consecutive victories, the longest streak since 2022. This is the latest position in the season that Seattle has led the league since 2001, when they won their last divisional title. The 23-year drought is the longest in the American League.“I don’t want to diminish the record, it’s something incredible and significant,” Raleigh said. “But I’m not focused on hitting home runs or breaking records. I just want to help the team in any way I can.”
Cal Raleigh
