Cal Raleigh powered Seattle’s big night during MLB Players’ Weekend, flashing a bat that read “Big butt… bigger bombs.” The Mariners’ All-Star catcher stayed hot, delivering his 46th homer of the season off New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea in the third inning to put Seattle on top 4-3.
The blast did more than just a lead change. It drove Raleigh’s RBI total to 100 for the season, matching a career high. It also kept him on a historic pace: he became the first catcher since Mike Piazza to record 100 RBI in consecutive seasons while appearing in at least half of his team’s games behind the plate (Piazza did it in five straight seasons from 1996-2000).
Raleigh’s milestone at the plate also made him the first American League hitter to reach 100 RBI this season. He sits behind only Kyle Schwarber, who has 101 after a recent three-run shot, and Raleigh reached the century mark first before Schwarber overtook him.
On the power front, Raleigh’s 46th homer vaulted him into second place for the most homers in a single season by a catcher, with two more to tie the major-league mark of 48 set by Salvador Perez in 2021. The “Big Dumper” nickname—spawned after teammate Jarred Kelenic dubbed him for his notable backside—adds a little lore to a year already rich with milestones.
Moreover, Raleigh moved into the upper echelon of switch-hitters with 46 homers in a season, climbing past Lance Berkman and Chipper Jones for the third-most in a season; only Mickey Mantle remains ahead with 52 in 1956 and 54 in 1961. Raleigh even tied Mantle by reaching 46 homers in the Mariners’ first 123 games.
Seattle’s win over the Mets left them with 39 games remaining. The Mariners sit 0.5 games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West and hold the league’s No. 1 wild-card spot, with Raleigh delivering clutch power that could shape Seattle’s postseason odds.
What this means going forward
– Raleigh’s continued power pace could push him into elite territory for catchers and switch-hitters in a single season.
– The Mariners are in a strong position in the West and in the playoff race, thanks in large part to Raleigh’s production in crucial moments.
Summary
Cal Raleigh’s night at the plate was a tour through milestones: a 46th homer, 100 RBI, and a place among the all-time greats for catchers and switch-hitters, all while helping the Mariners push toward a favorable postseason path.
Positive note
Raleigh’s breakout year has given Seattle a credible force in the middle of the lineup, enhancing the team’s playoff hopes as the season heads into the homestretch.