Cal Raleigh Destroys Ken Griffey Jr.’s Home Run Record
In a season already shaping up to be memorable, Cal Raleigh has etched his name in the annals of Seattle Mariners history by surpassing a record set by a team legend. The left-handed receiver hit his 36th home run of the year on Tuesday against the Yankees, leaving behind the record of 35 home runs that Ken Griffey Jr. had established in 1998 before the All-Star break. The historic hit, which occurred in the eighth inning against pitcher Geoff Hartlieb, was a massive shot that landed on the second level of right field at Yankee Stadium. Despite the Mariners’ 10-3 loss, the moment was etched in the record books.Manager Dan Wilson, who shared a locker room with Griffey for six seasons in the 90s, acknowledged the importance of Raleigh’s achievement.Obviously, it wasn’t the result we wanted tonight, but breaking a record like that is special. Griffey is a legend. I’m just trying to do my part.
Cal Raleigh
Raleigh not only leads the Major Leagues in home runs, but also tops the American League in RBIs with 76, showcasing an impressive offensive line of .268/.383/.646. This positions him as a strong contender for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award of the season. His growth as a hitter has been remarkable. Known for his timely home runs, such as the one that secured the postseason berth in 2022, Raleigh has worked to become a more complete hitter from both sides of the plate.I never thought anyone would surpass that mark. It’s incredible what Cal is doing.
Dan Wilson
His approach has yielded results, and with the 2025 All-Star Game just around the corner, and confirmed for the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, Raleigh seems poised to shine on the biggest stage, demonstrating that his season is not a product of chance, but a reflection of his maturity and growth as a ballplayer.I try to understand who I am as a hitter, take advantage of my turns and not just look for power.
Cal Raleigh
