2025 MLB Home Run Derby: Raleigh Makes History
Introduction
The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby has fans on the edge of their seats as Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cal Raleigh, and other sluggers battle it out for the title. With live updates from CBS Sports, the excitement is at an all-time high. But one player is making history, joining the ranks of legendary slugger Ken Griffey Jr.
Raleigh's Victory
In an impressive display of power and skill, Cal Raleigh has become the second Seattle Mariner to take home the Home Run Derby title. The only other player to do so? None other than the iconic Ken Griffey Jr. Raleigh's victory solidifies his place in baseball history and cements the Mariners as a powerhouse team in the league.
The Road to Victory
Raleigh's journey to the top was not an easy one. He faced tough competition from Chish
About the People Mentioned
Cal Raleigh
Cal Raleigh is a professional baseball catcher born on November 26, 1996, in Cullowhee, North Carolina. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft after a notable collegiate career at Florida State University. During his time at Florida State, Raleigh earned numerous accolades, including being named a Second Team All-American in 2018 and a key player in the ACC Championship team that same year[6]. Raleigh made his professional debut in 2018 with the Low-A Everett AquaSox and progressed through the minor leagues, eventually making his MLB debut on July 11, 2021. Initially, he struggled at the major league level, but after a brief demotion to Triple-A in 2022, he returned to the Mariners and began to establish himself as a consistent contributor. A notable turning point in his career came on May 15, 2022, with a significant home run that marked a shift in his performance[4]. Currently, Cal Raleigh is an integral part of the Seattle Mariners, known for his power hitting and defensive skills. He has become a fan favorite, particularly for his memorable home runs. In the 2025 season, Raleigh achieved a historic milestone by hitting his 60th home run, marking a significant highlight in his career[5]. His performance has been crucial in the Mariners' postseason runs, where he has shown impressive batting statistics[2]. Raleigh's recent performances have made him a key figure in Seattle's baseball scene, with his contributions to the team's success being closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His ability to adapt and grow as a player has been a significant factor in his increasing relevance in the MLB.
About the Organizations Mentioned
CBS Sports
**CBS Sports** is a prominent American sports media organization specializing in **sports broadcasting, digital content, and multi-platform coverage**. Founded in **1955** and headquartered in **New York City**, it operates as part of the larger CBS Corporation under Paramount Global[4][5]. CBS Sports delivers extensive live sports programming including **NFL football, college football and basketball (notably the Big Ten Conference and NCAA tournaments), golf majors like The Masters, and global soccer competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and Serie A**[5]. It also offers innovative digital services like fantasy sports games, sports betting insights, and comprehensive statistics through platforms such as CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app[4][6]. The **history** of CBS Sports is intertwined with the broader Columbia Broadcasting System, which dates back to 1927, originally focused on radio broadcasting before evolving into television and digital sports media[2]. A significant development was the acquisition and rebranding of College Sports Television (CSTV), which began in 2002 as a 24/7 college sports network. CSTV was purchased by Viacom in 2005 for $325 million and integrated into CBS Sports in 2008, expanding CBS Sports Network as a dedicated cable channel for year-round live college sports and original programming[1][3][5]. CBS Sports has been a pioneer in **broadband and streaming services**, launching over 100 broadband channels in 2006 dedicated to college sports and offering a subscription/pay-per-view service called CBS College Sports XXL. Their digital arm includes SportsLine for predictive analytics and SportsLive for streaming thousands of live events annually[1][6]. CBS Sports also runs the 24/7 streaming news network CBS Sports HQ and the free soccer-focused CBS Sports Golazo Network[5]. **Key achievements** include securing premier rights to major sports events across multiple disciplines and embracing digital transformation by integrating live streaming, fantasy sports, and data analytics to engage modern sports fans
Seattle Mariners
The **Seattle Mariners** are a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Seattle, Washington, competing in the American League (AL) West Division. Established as an expansion team in 1977, the Mariners initially played at the Kingdome before moving to their current home, T-Mobile Park, in 1999[1][3]. The team’s name reflects Seattle’s strong maritime heritage, and their colors—navy blue, northwest green (teal), and silver—have evolved since inception, symbolizing the Pacific Northwest[1]. The Mariners’ early years were challenging, marked by frequent losing seasons and instability. Notably, Seattle’s first major league team, the Seattle Pilots, only lasted one season (1969) before relocating due to financial troubles, which led to a lawsuit that eventually secured Seattle a new franchise—the Mariners—in the late 1970s[4][9]. The franchise struggled through the 1980s, but the late 1980s and 1990s saw a transformation driven by drafting and acquiring key players such as Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martínez, Jay Buhner, and Randy Johnson[6][9]. Seattle’s peak success came in the mid-1990s. The Mariners clinched their first playoff berth and division title in 1995, highlighted by Edgar Martínez’s iconic walk-off double against the New York Yankees that preserved baseball in Seattle[1][6]. They won a second division title in 1997 and returned to the playoffs in 2000 and 2001, with the latter season setting an American League record of 116 wins. Japanese star Ichiro Suzuki joined in 2001, further elevating the team’s profile[1][8]. However, the Mariners have struggled with postseason success, enduring a prolonged playoff drought from 2002 through the late 2010s, despite occasional bursts of competitive play. The team faced management and payroll challenge
