Mariners’ Cal Raleigh Ties Mickey Mantle, Makes MLB History

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history on Sunday in an emphatic 11-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Raleigh blasted his 54th home run of the season, tying the legendary Mickey Mantle for the most single-season home runs ever by a switch-hitter.

The achievement has drawn national attention. Still, Raleigh says his focus stays on team success, with the Mariners tangled in a tense AL West race.

Raleigh’s Record-Setting Power Surge

Raleigh has 12 games left to break Mantle’s record—and maybe even hit a few more milestones. The 2025 All-Star already shattered the MLB single-season home run record for a full-time catcher. That’s put him among the game’s elite sluggers.

Chasing History Beyond Mickey Mantle

Tying Mantle is historic, but the chance to surpass him adds another layer of excitement. Mantle is still one of baseball’s most revered names, but Raleigh admitted he never saw the Yankees legend play.

He grew up hearing stories about Mantle from his dad, who spoke of the Hall of Famer with deep respect. Raleigh’s home run total now puts him within reach of the Seattle Mariners franchise record of 56 home runs, set by Ken Griffey Jr. in both 1997 and 1998.

Griffey set that record during an era full of big-time power hitters. Raleigh’s doing it in a time when pitchers might be tougher than ever, which makes his run even more impressive.

Eyes on Aaron Judge’s AL Record

It’s a long shot, but with the games left, Raleigh sits eight home runs shy of Aaron Judge’s American League single-season record of 62. Judge set that mark in 2022, a season that changed the conversation about power hitting.

If Raleigh somehow gets to 60 homers, he’d join a club with only a handful of the sport’s greatest sluggers. That’s the kind of thing you dream about as a kid, right?

Balancing Personal Glory with Team Goals

The media can’t stop talking about his chase for history, but Raleigh stays grounded. The Mariners are barely clinging to a one-game lead over the Houston Astros in the AL West.

Seattle hasn’t won the division since 2001. Raleigh knows that locking up first place would mean far more to the city and its fans than any stat line ever could.

His offense has been huge for Seattle’s playoff push. But Raleigh also takes pride in anchoring the pitching staff, calling games, and shutting down the running game when it matters most.

Why This Season Is Special for Mariners Fans

Raleigh’s home run chase is only part of what’s made this season unforgettable. Mariners fans have endured long playoff droughts and heartbreak, but 2025 feels different—like everything’s finally clicking.

The team has star power, dominant pitching, and clutch hitting. That’s a rare mix in Seattle.

Key Factors in the Mariners’ Success

Seattle’s success this season has come from a few key places:

• Dominant pitching from a rotation that keeps delivering.
• Raleigh’s power—he can change a game with one swing.
• Balanced lineup—it’s not just the stars getting it done.
• Strong bullpen—they’ve locked down a lot of close games.

The playoff race and Raleigh’s record chase have made T-Mobile Park electric. Every time Raleigh steps to the plate, you get the sense something big could happen.

Final Stretch: History Awaits

The Mariners are down to their last dozen games. All eyes are on Raleigh, who’s not just eyeing Mantle’s record but also Griffey’s franchise mark—and, if you squint, maybe even Judge’s AL milestone.

Even if he falls short of those lofty numbers, Raleigh’s year already ranks among the best ever for a catcher in MLB history. That’s just wild when you think about it.

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Here is the source article for this story: Mariners’ Cal Raleigh Makes MLB History Tying Yankees Icon Mickey Mantle’s HR Record