Cal Raleigh Breaks Records for Seattle Mariners
Introduction
In a historic game against the Royals, Seattle's Cal Raleigh made his mark in the record books by breaking Mickey Mantle's record for most home runs by a switch-hitter. With his 55th homer of the season, Raleigh has now tied Ken Griffey Jr.'s record for most home runs by a rookie.
Key Details
Raleigh's achievement is even more impressive when considering the fact that he is a rookie. At just 24 years old, he has already proven himself to be a formidable force in the league. His consistent power hitting and ability to switch-hit have made him a valuable asset to the Seattle Mariners.
In addition to breaking Mantle's record, Raleigh has also tied Griffey's record for most home runs by a rookie in a single season. This puts him in elite company and solidifies his place as one of the most promising young players in the league.
Impact
Raleigh's record-breaking performance has not only made headlines in the sports world, but it also has a significant impact on the Mariners' playoff hopes. With his impressive stats, Raleigh has contributed to the team's success and their contention for a spot in the postseason.
His record-breaking feat is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it sets a high bar for future rookies to strive towards. As he
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.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr. is a retired American professional baseball player widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Born on November 21, 1969, Griffey was the first overall pick in the 1987 MLB Draft and made his debut with the Seattle Mariners in 1989 at age 19. Over his 22-year career, he played primarily as a center fielder for the Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox, finishing his career back in Seattle. Griffey was known for his graceful swing, powerful hitting, and spectacular defensive plays. He amassed 630 home runs, ranking seventh on the all-time MLB list, along with 2,781 hits and 1,836 runs batted in. Griffey led the American League in home runs four times (1994, 1997, 1998, 1999) and won the AL MVP award in 1997. He was a 13-time All-Star, won 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards (1990–1999), and earned seven Silver Slugger Awards. Griffey also set records for consecutive games with a home run (eight, tied for the MLB record) and tied for the most Opening Day home runs (eight). Griffey was the first player to hit 400 home runs with one team (Mariners) and 200 with another (Reds). He was also part of the first father-son duo to play together in MLB history, teaming up with his father, Ken Griffey Sr., in Seattle. Griffey retired in 2010 and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, receiving the highest percentage of votes at the time. Griffey remains a celebrated figure in baseball, admired for his sportsmanship and integrity. He is often cited as a key reason for the Mariners staying in Seattle and for the construction of Safeco Field. Griffey continues to be involved in baseball through various ambassadorial and charitable roles.
About the Organizations Mentioned
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
