Seattle’s young baseball star, Cal Raleigh, made history on Saturday night by hitting his 57th home run of the season, breaking the single-season home run record for the Mariners, previously held by baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr.
The moment came during a game against the Houston Astros. In the third inning, with the Mariners leading 2-0, Raleigh connected with a 95.5 mph pitch from Framber Valdez and sent the ball deep into the right-center field bullpen. The home run made the score 3-0 and officially set a new franchise record, surpassing the mark Griffey had reached in 1997 and 1998.
After rounding second base, Raleigh raised his right arm in celebration and lifted the trident, a symbol the Mariners use for home run celebrations. His teammate J.P. Crawford handed him the trident as he entered the dugout.
Raleigh admitted he was still processing the achievement. “It’s a weird thing to think about. I can’t fully wrap my head around it yet,” he said. “I’m very grateful. Being mentioned in the same sentence as Ken Griffey Jr. feels really special.”
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Raleigh has had occasional contact with Griffey this season, though he had not heard from him on Saturday night. “He’s a great guy, always fun around the clubhouse,” Raleigh said. “I’m sure he’ll say something about it soon.”
Despite the personal milestone, Raleigh’s focus remained on the team’s victory. The Mariners eventually won the game 6-4, moving two games ahead of the Astros in the American League West. Raleigh said, “I’m glad it’s over. It’s an awesome thing, but I just want to get back to baseball.”
In addition to breaking the Mariners record, Raleigh’s 57 home runs have also achieved several major league milestones this season. He surpassed Mickey Mantle’s record of 54 home runs by a switch-hitter, which had stood since 1961. He also set a new MLB record for home runs by a catcher, passing Salvador Perez’s 48 from 2021.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised Raleigh’s performance, noting not only his batting achievements but also his strong defensive skills. “It’s tough to be so productive on both offense and defense, but he has done it very consistently. Everything about his approach has been impressive,” Wilson said.
Raleigh’s accomplishment is not just about numbers; it reflects dedication, skill, and consistency. From swinging at high-speed pitches to handling the demands of catching, he has proven to be one of the most well-rounded and impactful players in the league this season.
As the Mariners continue their push in the AL West, Raleigh’s record-breaking home runs are inspiring fans and teammates alike, highlighting a season filled with historic moments and memorable performances.
