Cal Raleigh is a professional Major League Baseball catcher currently playing for the Seattle Mariners. Known as 'Big Dumper' by fans, he has established himself as one of the premier defensive catchers in the league, consistently ranking among the leaders in pitch framing and defensive runs saved. Drafted by the Mariners in 2018, Raleigh reached the majors in 2021 and quickly became a key pillar of the team's core. He is particularly recognized for his impressive power, frequently leading all MLB catchers in home runs, and his leadership behind the plate. Raleigh played a pivotal role in the Mariners' 2022 postseason run, famously hitting a walk-off home run to clinch the franchise's first playoff berth in 21 years. He continues to be a central figure in Seattle's lineup and a standout performer at the catcher position.
8 hours ago : Seattle Mariners Address Cal Raleigh Playing Time and Roster Decisions
Manager Dan Wilson explains recent lineup adjustments for the Seattle Mariners, addressing Cal Raleigh's absence and Julio Rodriguez's position changes during the series against the Texas Rangers.
1970: Johnny Bench's Home Run Record
In 1970, Johnny Bench set a benchmark for the most home runs by a primary catcher before the All-Star break, a record that stood until surpassed by Cal Raleigh in 2024.
1994: Ken Griffey Jr. reaches 20 home runs by May
In 1994, Ken Griffey Jr. achieved the milestone of hitting 20 home runs before the conclusion of May.
1994: Griffey Wins Home Run Derby
In 1994, Ken Griffey Jr. won the Home Run Derby, an achievement that would later be referenced as a historical benchmark for the Seattle Mariners organization.
November 26, 1996: Birth of Caleb John Raleigh
Caleb John Raleigh, who would later become a professional baseball catcher known as 'Big Dumper', was born on November 26, 1996.
1997: Ken Griffey Jr. reaches 20 home runs by May
During the 1997 season, Ken Griffey Jr. successfully reached the 20 home run mark by the end of May.
1998: Alex Rodriguez reaches 20 home runs by May
In 1998, Alex Rodriguez joined the elite group of players who hit 20 home runs by the end of the month of May.
1998: Historical Comparison of Home Run Leaders
In 1998, Ken Griffey Jr. and Sammy Sosa established a high mark for home runs hit through the month of June, a record that Cal Raleigh would be compared against in his own historical performance.
1998: Historical Comparison to Ken Griffey Jr.
In 1998, Ken Griffey Jr. set a franchise record for the most home runs hit by a Seattle Mariners player before the All-Star break, a record that Cal Raleigh eventually surpassed in 2024.
1998: Griffey Wins Home Run Derby
In 1998, Ken Griffey Jr. successfully defended his performance from previous years by winning the Home Run Derby again.
1999: Ken Griffey Jr. reaches 20 home runs by May
In 1999, Ken Griffey Jr. recorded his 20th home run of the season before the month of May concluded.
1999: Griffey Wins Home Run Derby
In 1999, Ken Griffey Jr. secured his status as a recurring champion by winning the Home Run Derby once more.
2001: Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzalez Home Run Milestone
In 2001, Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzalez achieved the milestone of being the fastest players to reach 30 home runs in a single season, a pace that Cal Raleigh matched in 2024.
2001: Barry Bonds Single-Season June Record
In 2001, Barry Bonds set a benchmark by hitting 39 home runs through the month of June, standing as the record holder that Cal Raleigh's 2024 performance was measured against.
2001: End of the Mariners Playoff Drought
The year 2001 marked the last time the Seattle Mariners had reached the postseason prior to Cal Raleigh's efforts in 2022, serving as the benchmark for the franchise's longest active playoff drought.
2016: Freshman All-American Recognition and Collegiate Success
During the 2016 collegiate season, Cal Raleigh excelled for the Florida State University Seminoles by starting nearly every game, posting a .301 batting average with a .412 on-base percentage, which earned him freshman All-American honors from several baseball publications in 2016.
2017: Key Performances and Injury Struggles
During the 2017 season, Cal Raleigh achieved several clutch moments, including driving in the winning run during the Atlantic Coast Conference championship, the tying run against Sam Houston State, and hitting a bottom-of-the-ninth home run in the College World Series. Despite these successes, he battled a left thumb injury that limited his batting average to .227 for his sophomore year.
2018: Drafted by Seattle Mariners and Professional Debut
In 2018, Cal Raleigh was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the MLB draft as the 90th overall pick, later signing for an $854,000 bonus before making his professional debut with the Everett AquaSox, where he recorded eight home runs and 29 RBIs.
2018: Final Season at FSU
In 2018, representing his final year at Florida State University, Cal Raleigh demonstrated significant offensive growth, finishing with a .326 batting average, 13 home runs, and 54 RBIs across 62 games.
2019: California League All-Star Selection and Promotion
Throughout 2019, Raleigh began his season with the Modesto Nuts, earned a California League All-Star honor, and was subsequently promoted to the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in mid-July, finishing the season with 29 home runs and 82 RBIs across both levels.
2020: Mariners Alternate Site Participation
In 2020, Cal Raleigh participated in practices and scrimmages at the Seattle Mariners' alternate site in Tacoma, though he did not play in any official games due to the cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 11, 2021: MLB Debut and Promotion
On July 11, 2021, Cal Raleigh was promoted to the major leagues for the first time and added to the 40-man roster. He made his official debut as a catcher for the Seattle Mariners against the Los Angeles Angels, where he went hitless with two strikeouts in four at-bats.
2021: Tacoma Rainiers Performance and Hitting Streak
During the 2021 season, Cal Raleigh played for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, where he posted impressive statistics including a .324 batting average with nine home runs in 44 games and maintained a 23-game hitting streak that extended into June 2021.
2022: Cal Raleigh's Breakout 2022 Season
During the 2022 season, Cal Raleigh initially struggled but eventually established himself as a premier power-hitting catcher. He led all MLB catchers with 27 home runs, set a new single-season record for a Mariners catcher, and helped the team end their long playoff drought by hitting a decisive walk-off home run on September 30, 2022.
May 15, 2023: Historic Home Run Performance at Fenway Park
On May 15, 2023, Cal Raleigh achieved a historic milestone at Fenway Park by becoming the first catcher to hit home runs from both sides of the plate in a single game, accomplishing the feat in consecutive plate appearances.
April 23, 2024: Cal Raleigh hits home run despite dental injury
On April 23, 2024, Cal Raleigh broke a tooth while eating a sandwich. Despite the resulting severe pain, he managed to hit a home run during that evening's game against the Texas Rangers.
2024: Cal Raleigh Awarded Gold and Platinum Gloves
In 2024, Cal Raleigh achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Seattle Mariners player to win the Platinum Glove award, while also securing a Gold Glove. During the 2024 season, he demonstrated significant offensive power with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs, while also establishing himself as a premier pitch framer, contributing to the dominant performance of the Mariners' pitching rotation.
March 25, 2025: Contract Extension with Seattle Mariners
On March 25, 2025, Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners finalized a significant six-year, $105 million contract extension, which also includes a seventh-year vesting player option valued at $20 million with a $2 million buyout clause.
2025: Historic 2025 Season Achievements
During the 2025 season, Cal Raleigh achieved multiple milestones including his first All-Star selection, winning the MLB Home Run Derby as both the first catcher and switch hitter to do so, and setting the record for the most home runs in a season by a catcher and a switch hitter. Additionally, he became the seventh player in MLB history to reach 60 home runs in a single season and garnered several prestigious awards including The Sporting News MLB Player of the Year, Players Choice Awards for Player of the Year and AL Outstanding Player, and the Baseball Digest Player of the Year Award.
Trending
3 hours ago Martín Landaluce Faces Michael Zheng at the ATP Los Cabos Mifel Open
4 hours ago Chelsea Opens Transfer Negotiations for Brighton Striker Danny Welbeck
4 hours ago Jared Leto Faces Serious Criminal Sexual Assault Allegations from Four Women
5 hours ago Rosie O'Donnell Discusses Mounjaro Weight Loss Journey and Facelift Details
5 hours ago Sadie Sink Stars in New Spider-Man Brand New Day Summer Blockbuster
5 hours ago New ESPN Podcast Explores Ippei Mizuhara Betting Scandal and Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani
Popular
Lindsey Graham is a prominent American politician serving as the...
Nancy Grace is an American legal commentator and television journalist...
Johnny Depp is a highly successful American actor musician and...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is an American professional basketball...
Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician and the senior...
Cristiano Ronaldo widely considered one of the greatest footballers captains...