The switch-hitting slugger, known affectionately by the Mariners fan base as “Big Dumper,” became the first catcher in MLB history to reach 49 home runs in a single season, breaking Kansas City Royals<\/a> star Salvador Perez\u2019s previous mark of 48.<\/p>\n Raleigh did it in style, too, crushing his second home run in as many at-bats against the Oakland Athletics at his home T-Mobile Park.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM<\/a><\/p>\n Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners high fives Randy Arozarena #56 of the Seattle Mariners after scoring during the first inning against the Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Aug. 24, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Raleigh had already taken Athletics starter<\/a> Jacob Lopez yard in the bottom of the first inning, and he had another chance in the very next frame \u2014 and he didn\u2019t waste it.<\/p>\n On the first pitch he saw, Raleigh, batting from the right side, turned on a changeup that caught too much of the plate and watched it sail over the left-field fence.<\/p>\n MARINERS SLUGGER CAL RALEIGH ON HOME RUN DERBY WIN, MEETING EXPECTATIONS AMID STANDOUT SEASON<\/a><\/p>\n The Mariners faithful went wild in the stands, recognizing what Raleigh had just done. Raleigh celebrated with his teammates in the dugout, carrying around the Mariners\u2019 trident, which is given to all players who hit a home run.<\/p>\n Raleigh was MLB\u2019s leader in home runs with 47 entering Sunday, two ahead of Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber. He extended that lead in grand fashion, and the smile on his face said it all.<\/p>\n Perez hit 48 home runs during the 2021 season, tying him with Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the league lead that year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners hits his 48th home run of the season to tie the record for most home runs by a catcher during a single season during the first inning against the Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Aug. 24, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n At the time, Perez broke a long-standing MLB catcher record, surpassing Johnny Bench\u2019s 45 home runs from 1970.<\/p>\n But Raleigh has had quite the 2025 campaign, becoming the first primary catcher to win the Home Run Derby, which he won back in July. He has had a sweet swing all season, and the Mariners have enjoyed every time he\u2019s connected with one \u2014 because it seems he just won\u2019t cool off.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also helping Seattle\u2019s postseason chances, as they are 2.5 games back of the Houston Astros for the AL West lead entering Sunday. They also hold the last wild card position in the American League, with Perez\u2019s Royals sitting 2.5 games behind.<\/p>\n Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners high fives teammates in the dugout after hitting his 48th home run of the season during the first inning against the Athletics at T-Mobile Park on August 24, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n In what\u2019s expected to be a heated race in September, the Mariners would love for Raleigh to add to his now-record home run total in hopes of getting their shot at a World Series title.<\/p>\n Follow Fox News Digital\u2019s\u00a0sports coverage on X<\/a>, and subscribe to\u00a0the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n![\"Cal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cal-raleigh-mariners-homer.jpg\")
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