News Summary
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history by becoming the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby, defeating Junior Caminero in the final. Raleigh hit 18 home runs in the final round, showcasing his power and skill. With a total of 38 homers this season, Raleigh’s achievement places him among MLB’s elite hitters, raising discussions about his potential MVP candidacy. His brother supported him as his catcher during the event, adding a personal touch to an already remarkable night for Seattle baseball.
Seattle – Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history on Tuesday night by winning the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby, defeating Junior Caminero in the final round. Raleigh’s victory marks a significant achievement, as he is the first catcher to ever win the Home Run Derby since its inception in 1985.
Raleigh, who currently leads the MLB with 38 home runs this season, added to his impressive tally by hitting 18 home runs in the final round, edging out Caminero, who managed 15. The victory not only places Raleigh in the record books but also makes him the second Seattle Mariner to capture the prestigious title, following in the footsteps of the legendary Ken Griffey Jr.
The final was preceded by a tense semifinal match against Oneil Cruz, where Raleigh showcased his power and resilience. Earlier, in the first round, both Raleigh and Brent Rooker ended with 17 home runs. However, Raleigh advanced due to hitting the longest homer of that round at 470.62 feet, slightly surpassing Rooker’s 470.54 feet distance.
During his initial round, Raleigh utilized both batting styles, beginning as a left-handed hitter where he hit eight home runs before switching to his right side for nine more. This versatility proved crucial in a competition that required not only skill but also strategy and adaptability.
Raleigh’s impressive tally of 38 home runs before the All-Star break is remarkable, ranking as the second-highest total for this point in the season in MLB history. He has outdone his previous career high of 34 home runs set in the 2024 season, bolstering his reputation as a premier hitter in the league. With a current batting average of .259, Raleigh leads the Mariners in on-base plus slugging percentage at 1.011 and has a career-high of 10 stolen bases along with 65 runs scored.
Raleigh is drawing attention as a potential candidate for the American League MVP award this season, currently generating 4.8 wins above replacement (WAR), which ranks second in the league behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
In a personal touch to the event, Raleigh’s younger brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., served as his catcher during the derby, offering unwavering support throughout the competition. Raleigh expressed that the experience was surreal and a dream come true for him, emphasizing the role that family played in his focus during the intense event.
A standout moment in the final was when a young fan, Sam Musterer, made headlines by robbing a home run from Junior Caminero, showcasing the excitement and engagement of the crowd during the event.
The Mariners’ fourth Home Run Derby victory now ties them with the Yankees, both franchises boasting the same number of titles in the event’s history. This victory has sparked discussions about the future of MLB broadcasts, particularly regarding the Home Run Derby format and presentation.
Raleigh’s achievement solidified his status in the league as he continues to lead a remarkable season for the Mariners. With his father’s support, who pitched for him during the competition, and the undeniable unity of his family, Raleigh’s win at the Home Run Derby represents both a personal milestone and a significant moment in Seattle baseball history.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Live Updates
- ESPN: Cal Raleigh First Catcher to Win Home Run Derby
- MLB: Cal Raleigh Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
- Fox Sports: Live Updates from Home Run Derby
- Wikipedia: Home Run Derby
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