Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh clinched victory in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, held on a hot and humid night at Truist Park in Atlanta. Raleigh defeated Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in the finals, adding a prestigious title to his already impressive season.
The event took place on March 15, 2025, and Raleigh’s performance was remarkable. He tallied a total of 38 home runs during the season’s All-Star break, showcasing his extraordinary power. The derby prize included a trophy featuring two criss-crossed silver baseball bats and a flashy championship chain with the words “Derby Champ” engraved on it.
Raleigh’s family played significant roles throughout the competition. His father, Todd Raleigh, pitched for him during the event, while his 15-year-old brother served as one of the catchers. This familial support made the victory even more meaningful for Cal. “It just means the world,” he expressed after the contest, adding, “I just can’t believe I won.”
In the final round, Raleigh quickly established a rhythm, hitting seven home runs before taking a timeout. He then added eight more, including a last-second homer that just cleared the fence as time expired. In the subsequent bonus round, he hit three additional home runs, bringing his total to 18. Caminero needed to surpass 19 home runs to claim victory, but finished the contest with 15.
The night held a mix of emotions, particularly for the Raleigh family, as they celebrated a dream-come-true moment on a grand stage. Following the event, they signed a baseball for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. “You don’t think you’re gonna win it… and when you get invited, you don’t think you’re going to win it,” Cal Raleigh remarked, reflecting on the surreal experience of winning with his family by his side.
Notable Performances and Highlights
The Home Run Derby showcased some of the game’s biggest stars, and the atmosphere was electric. Hometown favorite Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves ignited the crowd with a strong performance, hitting 15 home runs in the first round but ultimately fell short of advancing. In contrast, Jazz Chisholm Jr. struggled, hitting only three home runs and receiving boos from the audience.
The opening round featured a thrilling tiebreaker between Raleigh and Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics, both finishing with 17 home runs. Raleigh edged out Rooker by a mere inch in the longest home run, as recorded by Statcast. The semifinals saw Raleigh continue to dominate, hitting 19 home runs and setting a formidable benchmark for his competitors.
In the finals, Raleigh’s consistent power was on full display, and he became the first catcher and first switch hitter to win the Home Run Derby. His victory adds to an already impressive season and sets the stage for his participation in the upcoming All-Star Game, where he is slated to bat fourth for the American League team.
With a $1 million winner’s purse and newfound bragging rights, Raleigh’s achievement resonates beyond the diamond. It represents the culmination of hard work and dedication, shared with family in a sport that often celebrates individual triumphs. The 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby will be remembered not just for the records broken but for the familial bonds strengthened on one of baseball’s biggest nights.
