Cal Raleigh is on the verge of achieving a remarkable milestone in Major League Baseball as he approaches the 60-home run mark this season. As of Sunday, September 21, Raleigh leads MLB with 58 home runs, positioning him to potentially become the youngest player to reach this figure since Roger Maris accomplished it in 1961 at the age of 26. Earlier this month, Raleigh shattered Mickey Mantle’s record for the most home runs in a season by a switch-hitter, underscoring his exceptional performance.
Currently, Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber trail behind Raleigh, each with 53 home runs. At 28, Raleigh stands on the cusp of joining an elite group of only six other players who have hit at least 60 home runs in a single season. This exclusive club includes names like Barry Bonds, who holds the all-time single-season record with 73 home runs achieved in 2001 at the age of 36.
Aaron Judge is the most recent player to surpass the 60-home run mark, having hit more than 60 in the 2022 season. Prior to Judge, the feat had not been accomplished since 2001, a year when Bonds hit 73 and Sammy Sosa reached 64.
Raleigh’s pursuit adds another compelling storyline to an already thrilling MLB season, capturing the imagination of baseball fans everywhere. As he closes in on this extraordinary achievement, Raleigh’s performance not only highlights his individual prowess but also contributes to the rich history of baseball’s most celebrated records. This quest showcases the enduring allure of home-run milestones and the excitement they bring to the sport.