Cal Raleigh Makes MLB History as Record-Breaking Catcher
In a season that has already been remarkable for Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh, Sunday marked an extraordinary milestone as he became the first catcher in Major League Baseball history to hit 49 home runs in a single season. The switch-hitting catcher, affectionately nicknamed “Big Dumper” by the Mariners faithful, surpassed the previous record of 48 home runs set by Kansas City Royals star Salvador Perez in 2021. What makes Raleigh’s accomplishment even more impressive is not just the record itself, but the dramatic fashion in which he achieved it. After already launching a home run in his first at-bat against Oakland Athletics starter Jacob Lopez, Raleigh stepped up to the plate in the following inning and promptly crushed the first pitch he saw—a poorly located changeup—over the left-field fence at T-Mobile Park. As the ball soared into the stands, the Seattle crowd erupted in celebration, fully aware they were witnessing baseball history.
The moment was particularly meaningful within the context of baseball’s storied past. Perez’s previous record of 48 home runs had only been established in 2021, when he tied with Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the league lead. Prior to Perez, the benchmark for catchers had stood for over five decades, with Cincinnati Reds legend Johnny Bench holding the record of 45 home runs since 1970. Raleigh’s achievement represents a new pinnacle for the position, which has traditionally not been associated with prolific power numbers due to the physical demands of catching. The Seattle slugger’s season is redefining expectations for what catchers can contribute offensively, demonstrating that the position can indeed produce elite power hitters who can compete with and surpass the home run totals of corner infielders and outfielders.
What makes Raleigh’s 2025 campaign truly special is its comprehensive excellence. Earlier this season, he became the first primary catcher to win the Home Run Derby, showcasing his power on one of baseball’s biggest stages during the All-Star break in July. His sweet swing has been remarkably consistent throughout the season, helping him maintain his position atop the MLB home run leaderboard. Entering Sunday’s game, Raleigh had already launched 47 home runs, putting him two ahead of Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, and his two-homer performance against Oakland further extended that lead. The joy visible on Raleigh’s face as he celebrated with teammates, proudly carrying the team’s ceremonial trident (awarded to Mariners players who hit home runs), reflected not just personal achievement but also the knowledge that his power surge has been instrumental to his team’s success.
Beyond individual accolades, Raleigh’s historic power display has significant implications for the Mariners’ postseason aspirations. Seattle finds itself in the thick of a competitive playoff race, sitting just 2.5 games behind the Houston Astros for the AL West division lead. They currently occupy the final wild card position in the American League, with Salvador Perez’s Royals ironically among the teams chasing them at 2.5 games back. As September approaches, bringing with it the intensity of a playoff push, the Mariners are counting on Raleigh to continue his power surge to bolster their chances of securing a postseason berth and potentially making a deep October run. The team’s hopes for a first-ever World Series title are increasingly intertwined with their record-setting catcher’s performance.
The significance of Raleigh’s achievement extends beyond numbers in a record book. Catchers have historically been valued primarily for their defensive skills, game-calling abilities, and leadership behind the plate, with offensive production often considered a bonus rather than an expectation. While there have been notable power-hitting catchers throughout baseball history—Mike Piazza, Javy Lopez, and more recently, Salvador Perez among them—none have reached the home run heights that Raleigh has now established. His season represents a potential paradigm shift in how teams view the catcher position, perhaps leading to greater emphasis on finding backstops who can provide significant offensive value without sacrificing the defensive elements that remain crucial to the role. For young catchers working their way through high school, college, and minor league systems, Raleigh now stands as proof that the position need not come with inherent offensive limitations.
As the Mariners enter the final month of the regular season, all eyes will be on Raleigh to see just how far he can extend his new record. With his confidence soaring and his swing dialed in, there’s genuine curiosity about whether he might approach or even reach the rarified air of 55-60 home runs—territory few players in the modern era have reached. Regardless of his final tally, Raleigh’s 2025 season has already secured his place in baseball history and provided Seattle fans with countless memorable moments. The “Big Dumper” nickname, once perhaps viewed as merely playful, now seems perfectly apt for a player who has dumped so many baseballs into the stands. As the playoff race intensifies, Mariners supporters will be hoping that Raleigh’s historic power surge continues to translate into crucial victories, potentially leading to the franchise’s most successful season in decades and cementing this record-breaking campaign as one of the greatest by a catcher in baseball history.
