BREAKING: Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh just made history by blasting his 49th home run of the season, surpassing Salvador Perez‘s record for the most home runs in a single season by a catcher. This remarkable feat occurred during back-to-back at-bats in the first two innings against the Athletics on Sunday, August 27, 2025.
With September still days away, Raleigh’s power display is capturing national attention as he aims for the coveted milestone of 50 home runs. This achievement not only highlights his talent but also places him in elite company among MLB’s best sluggers.
Raleigh, affectionately known as “Big Dumper,” is the first catcher in MLB history to reach 49 home runs in a single season. His current pace could see him challenge legendary figures like Johnny Bench, who led the majors with 45 home runs in 1970.
While Raleigh’s previous seasons hinted at his power potential—he reached 30 home runs in each of the last two years—his current season stands out due to the combination of timing and circumstances. Notably, nine of his home runs have come while serving as the designated hitter, a common practice among top-performing catchers.
“Cal Raleigh stands alone! Big Dumper is the first catcher in MLB history to reach 49 home runs in a single season,” commented the Mariners’ official Twitter account.
This season, Raleigh has achieved a home run rate that rivals some of the most surprising power seasons in baseball history. He boasts 24 home runs at home and 25 on the road, demonstrating his consistent performance despite playing in a notoriously pitcher-friendly park.
Comparisons to other legendary catchers are inevitable. Javy Lopez holds the record for home runs exclusively as a catcher with 42 in 2003, albeit in fewer games. Raleigh’s journey to 50 home runs puts him in a unique position, as he is on pace to exceed 600 plate appearances this season.
Raleigh’s impressive numbers come at a crucial time, with the Mariners in the midst of a competitive playoff race. The urgency is palpable; manager Dan Wilson faces the challenge of balancing Raleigh’s workload to maintain his health while pushing for a division title and wild-card spot.
The emotional weight of this record extends beyond statistics. Raleigh’s achievement resonates with fans and aspiring players alike, highlighting the potential for greatness within the game. As he inches closer to the 50 home run mark, discussions arise about where his performance ranks among the most surprising power-hitting seasons in MLB history.
Once he hits that milestone, Raleigh will join an exclusive club of just 51 seasons in MLB history to reach the 50 home runs milestone, a testament to his skill and determination.
As the Mariners continue their season, all eyes will be on Raleigh. Will he maintain his historic pace? Can he withstand the pressures of the playoff race while achieving personal greatness? Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the next chapter in this remarkable season.
Stay tuned as this story develops. Raleigh’s journey is far from over, and the excitement surrounding his achievements is only set to grow as he aims to redefine what it means to be a power-hitting catcher in MLB.
