Cal Raleigh Shatters Johnny Bench’s 54-Year-Old Home Run Record
Seattle Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh made headlines by breaking a 54-year-old record previously set by Hall of Fame legend Johnny Bench. During the Mariners’ 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Raleigh hit two home runs in a single game—his 28th and 29th of the season—surpassing Bench’s record for the most home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break. Bench’s record, set in 1970, had stood for nearly half a century, making Raleigh’s achievement a significant moment in baseball history.
Raleigh’s first home run came in the first inning, courtesy of a 95-mph fastball from Cubs’ starter Matthew Boyd. The ball cleared the wall in left-center field, giving the Mariners an early 1-0 lead. By the end of the first inning, Raleigh had tied Bench’s record, but the milestone was only temporary. Just six innings later, he broke the record for good with a two-run home run off of Cubs’ reliever Caleb Thielbar. Thielbar’s 94-mph fastball was hit down the line, securing a 6-4 lead for the Mariners.
In addition to breaking the record, Raleigh’s performance highlights his outstanding season with the Mariners. At 28, Raleigh has already hit 29 home runs, the most in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is also among the top performers in the league, leading the American League in RBIs with 63 and maintaining a .273 batting average. This milestone adds to a growing list of achievements, including his sixth multi-home run game of the season.
The Mariners, currently sitting at 38-36 in the American League West, are in a strong position for a playoff push. Their next game against the Cubs will be on Saturday, with a matchup scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET. As the team continues its season, Raleigh’s record-breaking performance could serve as a significant boost for both the team and its fans, who are eagerly watching the Mariners’ progress in the race for the playoffs.
Raleigh’s accomplishments have been widely celebrated within the baseball community. He has expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “Any time you’re mentioned in even the same sentence with one of the best, if not the best ever to do it, is a special thing.” His achievements not only reflect his personal talents but also the evolving standards of performance in baseball, where young stars are increasingly making their mark with remarkable speed.
As the Mariners prepare for their next matchup, the focus remains on Raleigh and his continued performance as a key player for the team. With his record-breaking season in full swing, the future appears bright for both Raleigh and the Mariners as they head toward what could be one of their most successful seasons in recent memory.