Cal Raleigh Sets MLB Record for First-Half Home Runs by a Catcher
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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh etched his name into baseball history on Friday, surpassing a long-standing record held by Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. Raleigh’s two-homer performance against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field not only powered the Mariners to a 9-4 victory but also established a new MLB single-season record for the most first-half home runs by a catcher.
Raleigh's Record-Breaking Performance
Raleigh's first blast of the day came in the first inning off former Mariners teammate Matthew Boyd. He crushed a 95-mph fastball 381 feet to left-center field, tying Bench's 1970 mark of 28 home runs before the All-Star break. Bench achieved this feat in 87 games, while Raleigh accomplished it in just 73.
However, Raleigh wasn't finished. In the seventh inning, he launched a 1-1 fastball from Cubs reliever Caleb Thielbar 419 feet to left field, securing the record with his 29th home run of the season. This clutch hit also broke a 4-4 tie, giving the Mariners a 6-4 lead in the late innings.
Impact on the Mariners and MVP Consideration
Beyond the record, Raleigh's performance included a single and a walk, contributing three RBIs to the Mariners' win. His current slash line stands at .273/.379/.646, with an MLB-leading 29 home runs. This remarkable production positions him as a strong contender for the AL MVP award.
Potential for More History
With 29 home runs through 74 games, Raleigh is projected to hit 64 home runs in 2025. This would shatter Salvador Perez's single-season record for home runs by a catcher (48 in 2021) and potentially even threaten Aaron Judge's American League record.
- Raleigh surpassed Johnny Bench's record for first-half home runs by a catcher.
- His two-homer game propelled the Mariners to a victory over the Cubs.
- He is now a leading contender for the AL MVP award.