Raleigh Ties Griffey’s Record with 35 Homers Before All-Star Break

The Seattle Mariners have a lot to cheer about lately, thanks to their powerhouse catcher, Cal Raleigh. In a decisive 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, Raleigh hit his 34th and 35th home runs of the season.

With those blasts, he tied Ken Griffey Jr. for the most homers by a Mariner before the All-Star break. It’s wild to see records fall and Raleigh’s name pop up next to legends.

Cal Raleigh: A Historic Night at the Plate

Raleigh put on a show with two home runs that left fans buzzing. His first, a monster two-run shot off Bailey Falter, clocked in at a jaw-dropping 115.2 mph—easily the hardest-hit ball of his career.

That blast helped lock in the win and set him up for another milestone. In the sixth inning, Raleigh launched a solo homer, bringing his total to 35 for the season.

He broke his previous career high and matched Griffey Jr.’s pre-All-Star break mark from 1998. That’s a number Mariners fans have cherished for years.

How Raleigh Stacks Up in MLB History

With 35 home runs, Raleigh now sits among some elite MLB company. He’s tied with Luis Gonzalez’s 2001 tally for the fifth-most homers before the All-Star break in league history.

He’s inching closer to Barry Bonds’ all-time record of 39, set in 2001. The league is starting to take notice—Raleigh currently leads the majors in home runs.

Raleigh’s adaptability at the plate stands out. As a switch-hitter, he’s hit 21 home runs as a lefty and 14 as a righty this season.

That’s the most by any Mariner from either side of the plate. For comparison, Randy Arozarena, Seattle’s next-best power source, has 13 home runs—Raleigh’s dominance is clear.

A Season on Record Pace

With the All-Star break looming, Raleigh’s numbers hint at something special. If he keeps this up, he could finish the season with 65 home runs, topping Aaron Judge’s American League record of 62 from 2022.

Can he really keep going at this pace? It’s tough to say, but Mariners fans can’t help but dream a little.

Praise from Mariners Manager Dan Wilson

Manager Dan Wilson hasn’t been shy about praising Raleigh’s steadiness and knack for coming through in big moments. He even compared Raleigh’s production to Griffey Jr.’s legendary run with the team.

That’s high praise, and it shows just how important Raleigh is in the Seattle lineup. He’s the kind of guy who can carry a team through the grind of a long season.

What’s Next for Cal Raleigh and the Mariners?

With the All-Star break fast approaching, Raleigh and the Mariners have a real shot at building on this momentum. Their playoff hopes might just rest on Raleigh’s shoulders.

Fans are eager to see if he can keep launching home runs and maybe even chase down some of the game’s biggest records. For now, Raleigh’s name sits alongside some true baseball royalty—a nod to his hard work and focus.

Whether he catches Judge or Bonds or not, this season already feels unforgettable for Seattle.

In Closing

Cal Raleigh’s historic night isn’t just a Mariners headline—it’s a treat for baseball fans who love the wild magic of records falling and new legends taking shape.

Raleigh keeps up this jaw-dropping season, and you can bet all eyes will stay glued to Seattle’s prodigious catcher. Mariners fans get to enjoy this milestone, knowing they’re watching something special unfold right in front of them.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Raleigh ties M’s record with 35 HRs before break