Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes history as first catcher to win Home Run Derby
The Seattle Mariners' catcher Cal Raleigh, aka "Big Dumper," made baseball history as the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby. This milestone occurred at Truist Park in Atlanta, the evening before the All-Star Game, and it featured a heartfelt family moment that won over the fans.
His father, Todd Raleigh, was on the mound pitching, and his younger brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., was there too.
Cal Raleigh breaks catcher stereotype with power packed 2025 Home Run
Cal Raleigh's victory at the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby is remarkable since catchers usually aren't recognized as power hitters. Their responsibilities behind the plate require top-notch defensive abilities, handling pitchers, and dealing with the physical strain of squatting for long periods. Because of these duties, power hitting often takes a backseat, which makes Raleigh's achievement even more impressive.
Prior to 2025, no catcher had ever clinched the Derby title, a contest that highlights baseball's greatest sluggers. Raleigh flipped that script, showing that catchers can also shine at the plate.
With 38 home runs before the All-Star break in 2025, Raleigh was at the top of the majors, making him a favorite for the Derby. His victory marked him as the first switch-hitter to win the title outright and the first Seattle Mariner to snag the Derby crown.
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Cal Raleigh's longest shot in the final round traveled 464 feet
Cal Raleigh smashed 17 home runs, tying with Brent Rooker from the Oakland Athletics. The deciding factor was the longest home run, and Raleigh moved on with a shot that barely surpassed Rooker's by less than an inch. Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves ended up with 15 homers, missing out on the semifinals.
In a matchup with Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Raleigh raised his performance, cranking out 19 home runs while Cruz managed 13.
His longest homer reached 464 feet and had an exit velocity of 108 mph, proving just how powerful he is.
During the championship showdown with Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, Raleigh launched 18 home runs, featuring a massive 464-foot blast, while Caminero could only manage 15. This stellar performance allowed Raleigh to take home the victory and secure his place in history.
Fans celebrate Cal Raleigh's Derby win with emotional and hilarious reactions
During the Derby, Todd Raleigh pitched to him.
In 2011, Todd decided to leave coaching to focus on his family, a choice that truly paid off in this unforgettable moment. He had been coaching Cal since he was one, and now, at Truist Park, he threw the pitches that helped his son make history. Catching those pitches was Cal's 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., a 6'3' travel ball player who brought more energy to the family dynamic.
Fans on social media couldn't get enough of this sweet family moment.
One person tweeted, 'Congrats to Cal Raleigh on winning the Homerun derby true slugger🥇'. Another fan noted, 'IT WAS ALWAYS BIG DUMPER'.
Drafted by the Mariners in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft, he was overlooked by some scouts early on. But his work ethic and love for baseball shone through. 'I really love the game of baseball. I really do. I love the scouting reports. I love catching. I love running the game. I love hitting, obviously,' Raleigh once said in an interview with The Seattle Times
On June 28, 2025, Cal Raleigh shared with Reuters that he would be participating in the Derby, 'I'm excited to represent the Mariners and our fanbase. It will be extra special for me getting to do it in Atlanta, where I spent a lot of time playing baseball as a kid'.
Also Read:
MLB All Star Game 2025: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge headline star-packed lineups revealed for Truist Park showdown
That breakout season definitely got him noticed. He hit 38 home runs before the All-Star break, leading the league, and his defensive skills behind the plate showed he was a complete player.
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