Cal Raleigh made headlines on MLB trade deadline day, not for player movements, but for his impressive performance on the field. The Seattle Mariners’ catcher launched his 42nd home run of the season, helping the team secure a dominant 6-0 victory over the Texas Rangers in a crucial four-game series.
Raleigh’s impressive season brings him closer to historic records; he is just 12 home runs shy of Mickey Mantle’s 1961 record for the most home runs by a switch hitter in a single season and only six away from Salvador Perez’s record for catchers. This puts Raleigh in an exciting position as the season progresses, and his ability to mix power hitting with his switch-hitter status makes his achievements even more noteworthy.
In a fun interactive element, baseball fans are challenged to recall all the switch-hitters who have achieved 35 home runs in a season—an impressive feat accomplished only 35 times in MLB history.
This blend of competitive spirit and community engagement demonstrates the vibrant atmosphere surrounding baseball, showing how players like Raleigh can inspire fans and keep the excitement of the game alive. As the Mariners look to capitalize on their momentum, Raleigh’s contributions could be pivotal for their postseason aspirations.