Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history on Sunday by smashing the MLB record for the most home runs by a catcher in a single season with his 49th home run of the 2025 campaign. The switch-hitting slugger, known affectionately by the Mariners fan base as “Big Dumper,” became the first catcher in MLB history to reach 30 home runs in a season, breaking Salvador Perez’s previous mark of 48, which had been the standard since the 2021 season.
Raleigh’s record-breaking performance was on full display in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park, where he crushed two consecutive home runs off Athletics starter Jacob Lopez. The first, a towering shot to left field, got the crowd roaring with excitement, and the second, a jaw-dropping blast that sailed over the left-field fence, left fans and players alike in awe. The Mariners faithful erupted in celebration in the stands, recognizing the magnitude of what Raleigh had just accomplished.
Entering the game, Raleigh had already taken a commanding lead in the home run race, with 47 tallies, two ahead of Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber. His 49th home run extended that lead and solidified his place among the league’s top power hitters. For a position player traditionally relied on for defense and game management, Raleigh’s offensive prowess has redefined the role of a catcher in the modern game, proving that they can be both elite defenders and standout sluggers.
Perez had previously broken the catcher home run record in 2021, surpassing Johnny Bench’s 45-homer mark. However, Raleigh’s 2025 campaign has been even more extraordinary, as he also won the Home Run Derby in July, showcasing his power-hitting abilities in a separate competition. His dominant performance has made him a key figure in the Mariners’ push for a playoff spot, with the team currently 2.5 games behind the Houston Astros for the AL West lead.
Raleigh’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a potential boon for the Mariners’ postseason aspirations. As the season enters its final stretch, the team will be hoping that Raleigh continues to add to his home run total, giving them a better chance to secure a World Series berth. The Mariners’ fans are already looking forward to the next chapter in Raleigh’s incredible season, confident that the switch-hitting star will keep delivering his signature power in the coming weeks.