History of Cal Raleigh in Timeline

Caleb John Raleigh, known as "Big Dumper," is a professional baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners, debuting in MLB in 2021. He is recognized for his defensive prowess, earning his first Gold Glove Award in 2024. In the same year, he also received the American League Platinum Glove Award, which is awarded to the best defensive player in the league.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

1970: Breaking Johnny Bench's Record

In 2025, Cal Raleigh hit two home runs against the Chicago Cubs, giving him 29 homers on the season. With his performance, Raleigh passed Johnny Bench for the most home runs by a primary catcher before the All-Star break. Bench set the record during the 1970 season with 28 home runs in 87 games. Raleigh broke the 55-year-old record with 22 games remaining before the All-Star game.

1994: Ken Griffey Jr.'s Home Run Record

In 2025, Cal Raleigh became the first catcher in MLB history to hit 20 home runs before the end of May, joining Ken Griffey Jr., who reached the milestone in 1994, 1997, and 1999, as the only Mariners players to achieve this.

1998: Alex Rodriguez's Home Run Record

In 2025, Cal Raleigh became the first catcher in MLB history to hit 20 home runs before the end of May, joining Alex Rodriguez, who reached the milestone in 1998, as the only Mariners players to achieve this.

2001: Mariners' Playoff Drought

In 2022, Cal Raleigh ended the Seattle Mariners' playoff drought, which had been ongoing since 2001, by hitting a walk-off home run to clinch a postseason appearance.

2001: Fastest to 30 Home Runs

In 2025, Cal Raleigh became the fastest player to 30 home runs in a season since Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzales in 2001.

2018: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners

In 2018, Cal Raleigh was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the third round, with the 90th overall pick, of the Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Mariners, receiving a $854,000 signing bonus.

2019: California League All-Star

In 2019, Cal Raleigh was named a California League All-Star while playing with the High-A Modesto Nuts before being promoted to the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in mid-July.

December 2020: Completion of Business Degree

In December 2020, Cal Raleigh completed his degree in business entrepreneurship from Florida State University (FSU).

July 11, 2021: MLB Debut

On July 11, 2021, Cal Raleigh was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues, making his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners against the Los Angeles Angels.

2021: Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers

In 2021, Cal Raleigh started the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, hitting .324/.377/.608 with nine home runs in 44 games.

2022: Mariners' First Postseason Appearance Since 2001

In 2022, Cal Raleigh hit a pinch-hit, walk-off home run on September 30 against the Athletics to clinch the Mariners' first postseason appearance since 2001, ending the longest active playoff drought amongst the four major North American sports leagues.

May 15, 2023: First Catcher to Homer from Both Sides at Fenway Park

On May 15, 2023, Cal Raleigh became the first catcher to homer from both sides of the plate in the same game at Fenway Park, hitting his home runs in consecutive plate appearances.

April 23, 2024: Home Run After Breaking Tooth

On April 23, 2024, Cal Raleigh broke a tooth after biting down on a sandwich but still managed to hit a home run in that night's game against the Texas Rangers.

June 13, 2024: Buhner Buzz Cut Promotion

On June 13, 2024, Cal Raleigh had his head shaved by former Mariner Jay Buhner as part of the team's "Buhner Buzz Cut" promotion.

2024: Career-High Season

In 2024, Cal Raleigh achieved career-highs in several statistics, including stolen bases and RBI. He also won the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards.

2024: Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards

In 2024, Cal Raleigh received his first Gold Glove Award and won the American League Platinum Glove Award, which is given to the best defensive player in the league.