Cal Raleigh Hits 30th Home Run, Outpacing Judge and Ohtani

The Seattle Mariners dropped a wild 10-7 game to the Chicago Cubs, but catcher Cal Raleigh stole the spotlight at Wrigley Field. His 30th home run of the season turned heads and marked a historic night.

Raleigh became the first Major League player to reach 30 homers this year, and it only took him 75 games. That pace is pretty wild—he’s already outpacing big names like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

With the season not even halfway done, Raleigh’s on track for 60-plus home runs. That kind of production would rewrite the record books and put him in some legendary company.

He’s also the *first switch hitter in league history* to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break. That’s not just a stat—it’s a testament to his flexibility and unpredictability at the plate.

The Mariners get a huge boost from Raleigh’s ability to hit from both sides. I mean, how many players can truly do that and keep pitchers guessing?

Joining the Legends: How Raleigh Compares to MLB’s Best Catchers

Raleigh now owns three 30-homer seasons as a catcher. That’s rare air, joining Hall of Famers like Mike Piazza (nine times), Johnny Bench (four), and Roy Campanella (four).

Most catchers struggle to stay healthy and keep their bats hot all year. Raleigh’s doing both, and it’s impressive.

He also broke the record for *most home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break*. That’s a new standard at a position known more for grit than power.

Salvador Perez hit 48 homers in 2021 for the single-season catcher record. Raleigh’s current pace? He could make a run at that number.

Raleigh vs. Baseball’s Single-Season Records

Fans are already wondering how high Raleigh can climb on the all-time home run lists. In Seattle, Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record of 56 home runs (from 1997 and 1998) looms large.

If Raleigh passes that, he’d be the Mariners’ top slugger ever. That’s a big “what if,” but you can sense the excitement building.

Looking outside Seattle, Mickey Mantle’s switch-hitter record of 54 home runs (1961) is within reach. The American League record is 62 (Aaron Judge, 2022), and Barry Bonds’ all-time MLB record of 73 (2001) sits atop the mountain.

It’d take a superhuman effort to catch Bonds, but Raleigh’s first half gives fans a reason to dream. Why not?

What Makes Raleigh’s Power Surge So Special?

There’s a historical twist here. The last two players to hit 30 home runs in their team’s first 75 games were Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzalez in 2001.

Bonds went on to smash 73 that year. Gonzalez reached 57. Could Raleigh be next in line for a season that people talk about for decades?

Switch hitters and catchers face challenges that make this kind of power rare. Switch hitters have to adjust their swings and timing constantly, while catchers deal with the physical grind behind the plate.

Raleigh’s handled both with a level of endurance and adaptability that’s just not common. You have to wonder just how far he can take this run.

The Bottom Line: Cal Raleigh Is Redefining What a Catcher Can Do

It’s hard not to admire what Cal Raleigh has accomplished this season. He’s quietly taken the league lead in home runs.

Raleigh is setting records untouched by even the most legendary names in baseball history. He isn’t just having a standout year—he’s *reshaping the expectations of his position*.

Mariners fans have every reason to cheer louder than ever. The rest of the league can only watch as Seattle’s rising star keeps chasing greatness.

Whether he breaks records set by Ken Griffey Jr., Salvador Perez, or Mickey Mantle, one thing is clear. Cal Raleigh isn’t just hitting home runs—he’s carving out his own legacy in baseball history.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cal Raleigh hits 30th home run: Mariners catcher beats Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani to early milestone