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 skills, receiving his first Gold Glove Award in 2024. That same year, he was also awarded the American League Platinum Glove Award, solidifying his status as the league's best defensive player.

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Full Timeline

1988: Todd Raleigh at Western Carolina

In 1988, Todd Raleigh (Cal's father) was a catcher for Western Carolina.

1991: Todd Raleigh at Western Carolina

In 1991, Todd Raleigh (Cal's father) was a catcher for Western Carolina.

1992: Matt Raleigh's Minor League Career

In 1992, Matt Raleigh (Cal's uncle) began his career as a minor league infielder.

2000: Matt Raleigh's Minor League Career Ends

In 2000, Matt Raleigh (Cal's uncle) ended his career as a minor league infielder.

2001: Mariners' Previous Postseason Appearance

In 2022, Cal Raleigh helped the Mariners reach their first postseason appearance since 2001, ending the longest active playoff drought amongst the four major North American sports leagues.

2016: Freshman All-American Honors

In 2016, Cal Raleigh started all but one game for Florida State University (FSU), hitting .301 with a .412 on-base percentage. He was named a freshman All-American by Baseball America, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, Louisville Slugger, and Perfect Game.

2017: Dramatic Hits for FSU

In 2017, Cal Raleigh had several dramatic hits for Florida State University (FSU), including driving in the winning run in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game, driving in the tying run in the Super Regional final against Sam Houston State, and hitting a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of a College World Series game against the LSU Tigers.

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 and made his professional debut with the Low-A Everett AquaSox, batting .288 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 38 games.

2018: Final Season at FSU

In 2018, during his final year at Florida State University (FSU), Cal Raleigh slashed .326/.447/.583 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 62 games.

2019: California League All-Star and Promotion to Double-A

In 2019, Cal Raleigh started with the High-A Modesto Nuts, where he was named a California League All-Star before being promoted to the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in mid-July. Across 121 games for both clubs, Raleigh slashed .251/.323/.497 with 29 home runs and 82 RBIs.

December 2020: Completion of Degree

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

2020: Alternate Training Site in Tacoma

In 2020, Cal Raleigh practiced and scrimmaged at the Seattle Mariners' alternate training site in Tacoma. The minor league baseball season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing him from playing in any official games.

2020: "Big Dumper" Nickname Origin

In 2020, Cal Raleigh's "Big Dumper" nickname, referring to his backside, was started by teammate Jarred Kelenic.

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 as a catcher for the Seattle Mariners against the Los Angeles Angels. He struck out twice in four hitless at bats.

2021: Returns to Tacoma and Excels

In 2021, Cal Raleigh returned to Tacoma to start the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. He performed well, hitting .324/.377/.608 with nine home runs in 44 games.

2021: "Big Dumper" Nickname Popularized

In 2021, Cal Raleigh's nickname "Big Dumper" was tweeted by Jarred Kelenic when Raleigh was promoted to the Mariners, further popularizing the nickname.

2022: Breakout Season and Playoff Clinch

In 2022, after struggling initially, Cal Raleigh blossomed, hitting .228 with an .854 OPS and 24 home runs. On September 30, 2022, Raleigh hit a pinch-hit, walk-off home run against the Athletics, clinching the Mariners' first postseason appearance since 2001.

May 15, 2023: 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 a Tooth

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

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: Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards

In 2024, Cal Raleigh had a strong season, hitting .220/.312/.436 with 34 home runs and 100 RBI. He also won the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards, becoming the first Mariner to receive the latter honor.

March 25, 2025: Contract Extension with the Mariners

On March 25, 2025, Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a six-year, $105 million contract extension, including a seventh-year player option, showing the Mariners' commitment to Raleigh.