Seattle Mariners end 24-year drought and clinch AL West title
Introduction
The Seattle Mariners have finally broken their 24-year drought and clinched the American League West title. This historic achievement has sent the city into a frenzy, with celebrations starting immediately after the Mariners' 9-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The win was not only a crucial step towards the playoffs, but also marked a significant moment in the career of rookie catcher, Cal Raleigh.
Key Details
Raleigh had a career-defining game, becoming the first Mariners catcher to hit two home runs in one game. His first homer, a grand slam in the second inning, set the tone for the rest of the game. The second, a two-run shot in the seventh, cemented the Mariners' lead and sealed their victory. This impressive feat not only secured the AL West title, but also earned Raleigh a permanent spot in Mariners history.
Impact
The Mariners' win not only solidifies their spot in the playoffs, but also serves as a reminder of the team's resilience and determination. After a rough start to the season, the Mariners have rallied and overcome numerous challenges to reach this milestone. This victory has also reignited the city's passion for baseball and has brought the community together in celebration. The Mariners' fans can now confidently call their team the AL West champions, and the party is just getting started.
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
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
