Cal Raleigh Hits 57th Home Run, Breaks Mariners Single-Season Record

The baseball world got a show Saturday night when Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh crushed his 57th home run of the season. That shot pushed him past Ken Griffey Jr.’s single-season franchise record.

Raleigh’s blast didn’t just rewrite the Mariners’ record books. It also cemented his place among baseball’s elite power hitters.

He did it against the Houston Astros, taking left-hander Framber Valdez deep in the third inning. That swing wasn’t just a personal win—it felt like the defining moment in a season already packed with milestones.

Breaking a Legend’s Record

For over twenty years, Mariners fans treated Griffey’s 56-homer seasons from 1997 and 1998 like sacred ground. Raleigh flipped that script.

Valdez fired a 95.5 mph sinker, and Raleigh sent it screaming into the right-center bullpen. It was an opposite-field masterpiece—the kind of hit that says plenty about his balance, timing, and just plain strength.

A Special Moment in Mariners History

Raleigh’s only 28, and after the game, he admitted he was still trying to wrap his head around what he’d done. “It feels surreal to be mentioned alongside Griffey,” he said, sounding almost a little dazed.

Manager Dan Wilson didn’t hold back either, calling Raleigh’s year “historic” and praising the magnitude of that opposite-field homer.

Celebration with Mariners Tradition

With a grin, Raleigh rounded the bases and raised the team’s signature trident. That gesture has become a bit of a Mariners thing—kind of a mix of swagger and unity.

Griffey’s been supportive all year, though Raleigh said he hadn’t heard from him yet about the record-breaker. Still, knowing Griffey’s place in Seattle, you have to think that message is coming.

Victory Over Division Rivals

Raleigh’s homer wasn’t just a personal milestone—it mattered for the standings too. Seattle beat Houston 6-4, pushing the Mariners two games ahead of the Astros in the tight AL West race.

For Raleigh, breaking records is cool, but he’s made it clear that helping the team win takes priority.

Shattering Multiple MLB Records

Raleigh’s 2024 season has been a wild ride of power. His 57 homers lead the Majors and broke two other big records:

• He passed Mickey Mantle’s old mark for most home runs by a switch-hitter in a season (which was 54).
• He topped Salvador Perez’s record for most home runs by a catcher in a season (previously 48).

A Complete Player Behind the Plate

Sure, the home runs grab headlines, but Manager Dan Wilson points out Raleigh’s defense is just as huge. “His consistency and humility are as remarkable as his offensive power,” Wilson said.

As the everyday catcher, Raleigh’s anchored a pitching staff that’s had to grind through a long season. His pitch-framing, game-calling, and leadership—those have all made him impossible to replace.

Why This Feat Matters in the Mariners’ Timeline

For Seattle fans, this moment hits on a bunch of levels. Griffey’s era was about dazzling stats, but the team never quite made a deep playoff run.

Raleigh’s record comes during a real playoff push, so the achievement feels like it means more. If the Mariners pull off a division title, this could be just the start of a much bigger story.

The Legacy Moving Forward

Records are meant to be broken. But when they belong to franchise icons like Ken Griffey Jr., they just hit different.

Raleigh’s 57th home run will stick in Mariners history. It’s not just about the number—it’s about a new generation grabbing hold of the franchise’s story and shaping it their way.

As the season winds down, people are watching Cal Raleigh. How high can he push this new club record?

Whether he finishes with 58, 60, or more, the 2024 season has already put him up there with the greats. Maybe he’s the leader this Mariners team needs for a real October run. Wouldn’t that be something?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cal Raleigh blasts 57th home run to pass Ken Griffey Jr. for Mariners…