Cal Raleigh hits 52nd homer, nears Ken Griffey Jr. record

Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh is rewriting the record books in 2025. He’s having one of the wildest offensive seasons ever by a catcher.

This switch-hitting backstop isn’t just putting up numbers that rival the greatest hitters in history. He’s smashing through barriers and setting new standards for his position.

From unprecedented power milestones to iconic performances in the Home Run Derby, Raleigh’s campaign is already historic. With weeks still left, he’s chasing some of baseball’s most hallowed records.

Cal Raleigh’s Record-Breaking Power Surge

Raleigh became the first primary catcher in MLB history to hit 50 home runs in a single season. No backstop had ever done it before.

Even more impressively, he made history as the first player ever to hit at least 20 home runs from each side of the plate in the same year. That’s a pretty wild flex for a switch-hitter.

The Launch That Made History

On Saturday, Raleigh crushed his 52nd long ball of the year. It was a towering 426-foot shot that capped a 10-2 Mariners rout of the Atlanta Braves.

That win snapped a four-game losing streak. The Mariners’ captain showed he’s as clutch as he is powerful.

Milestones from March to August

Raleigh’s power barrage began in late March and never slowed down. His early-season pace was something else.

By the end of May, he had already etched his name into the record books multiple times.

Early Season Fireworks

By May, Raleigh had:

• Set the record for most home runs by a catcher before June.
• Became the first catcher to mash 20 homers before the end of May.
• Established the mark for most pre-All-Star break home runs by a catcher.

His durability, consistency, and raw power made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. He was locked in right from the start.

All-Star Stage: A Home Run Derby First

In July, Raleigh’s legend grew at the All-Star festivities. He became the first catcher ever to win the Home Run Derby — and the first outright switch-hitter to claim the crown.

Along the way, he eclipsed Ken Griffey Jr. for the most career home runs by a Mariner within a player’s first five seasons. That’s no small feat.

Closing in on Catcher Royalty

By August, the milestones kept coming. Raleigh broke Salvador Perez’s single-season home run record for catchers with his 48th and 49th blasts.

He then reached the historic 50-HR mark — something no other catcher had achieved while primarily playing behind the plate. His numbers also put him alongside Mike Piazza as the only catchers with consecutive 100-RBI seasons.

Chasing the Game’s Iconic Home Run Records

With 52 homers already on the year, Raleigh finds himself within range of some of baseball’s most legendary power marks:

• Ken Griffey Jr.’s Mariners franchise record of 56 home runs.
• Mickey Mantle’s switch-hitter record of 54 home runs.
• Aaron Judge’s American League record of 62 home runs set in 2022.

MVP-Caliber Legacy in the Making

Raleigh’s 2025 season isn’t just a statistical marvel. It’s a paradigm shift for what a catcher can do in the modern game.

His offensive explosion, switch-hitting dominance, and steady glove behind the plate make him a legitimate MVP frontrunner. He’s shaping up as a transformative figure for the Mariners franchise — and honestly, it’s just fun to watch.

What Comes Next

If Raleigh stays healthy and keeps swinging at this historic clip, baseball fans might witness something wild—a convergence of milestones you just don’t see every day. Imagine a catcher not just breaking positional records, but actually etching his name alongside the game’s greatest sluggers.

These days, most teams want their catchers for defense and game-calling. But Raleigh’s out here showing everyone that a backstop can lead the league in raw, electrifying power.

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Here is the source article for this story: Cal Raleigh home run tracker: Mariners slugger reaches 52 homers, closes in on Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record