Cal Raleigh powers Mariners to AL West title with 60th homer

Post by : Monika

The night of September 25, 2025, will be remembered for a very long time in the history of Major League Baseball. The Seattle Mariners celebrated one of their biggest achievements in more than two decades, and their star catcher, Cal Raleigh, wrote his name into the record books.

In a game against the Colorado Rockies, Raleigh hit two powerful home runs, pushing his season total to 60 home runs. This made him the first catcher in baseball history to reach that milestone. His hitting also helped the Mariners win the game 9–2 and officially clinch the American League West division title for the first time since the year 2001.

A Record That Few Can Touch

Only a handful of players in the long history of baseball have ever managed to hit 60 or more home runs in a single season. Before Raleigh, just six names were on that legendary list—Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, and Aaron Judge. These players are known as some of the most powerful hitters to ever step onto a baseball field.

Now, Cal Raleigh has joined them, but with one key difference. He is the only catcher ever to achieve this feat. Catchers are usually known for their defense, game-calling, and stamina behind the plate. It’s rare for a catcher to have enough energy and strength to also become one of the best hitters. Raleigh has broken that tradition and redefined what a catcher can do.

Raleigh’s Home Runs on the Night

The game started with a bang. In the first inning, Raleigh smashed a towering 438-foot home run into the upper deck of the stadium. The crowd erupted as the ball sailed far beyond the outfield. That home run set the tone for the night, showing both teams what kind of game it might be.

Later, in the eighth inning, Raleigh came to bat again. This time, he connected on another deep drive. The ball flew into the stands, and as it landed, Raleigh had officially reached 60 home runs for the season. The stadium shook with cheers as fans realized they had just witnessed history.

Raleigh finished the game 3-for-5 at the plate with four runs batted in (RBIs), proving again why he is the heart of Seattle’s lineup.

A Team Victory

While Raleigh’s achievement was the headline, the Mariners’ victory was also a full team effort. Other players added to the offense. Julio Rodríguez, one of Seattle’s young stars, also hit a home run. Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez joined the homer parade, giving the Mariners a total of five home runs in the game.

On the pitching side, Luis Castillo was brilliant. He pitched for 7⅓ innings, giving up just one run on one hit. He struck out 10 batters and didn’t allow a single walk. Castillo’s performance gave the Mariners a strong foundation, and his command on the mound showed why he is considered the ace of Seattle’s pitching rotation.

Mariners End a 24-Year Wait

The victory meant more than just another win on the schedule. It officially gave the Mariners the American League West division crown. For the fans, this moment carried deep meaning. The last time the Mariners won their division was back in 2001. That season, they tied the record for the most wins in a regular season, but since then, division titles had escaped them.

Now, after years of rebuilding, frustrations, and near-misses, the Mariners are back on top. Their season record improved to 89–69, and they secured a place in the playoffs with confidence and momentum.

A Hot Streak Leading to Glory

Seattle’s form in recent weeks has been nothing short of extraordinary. This win against Colorado marked their sixth straight victory and their 16th win in their last 17 games. Few teams manage to get so hot at the end of the season, but the Mariners did exactly that.

This kind of momentum is priceless heading into the playoffs. Teams that peak at the right time often go on deep postseason runs, and the Mariners look like one of those teams.

Rockies Struggle to Keep Up

On the other side, it was another tough night for the Colorado Rockies. Their season has been one of the worst in franchise history. After this loss, their record fell to 43–115.

Their starting pitcher, Tanner Gordon, struggled badly. He lasted only 3⅓ innings, giving up seven runs (five of them earned) before being pulled from the game. His outing made it nearly impossible for the Rockies to stay competitive.

The lone bright spot for Colorado came from Blaine Crim, who hit a home run to prevent his team from being shut out. Still, it was clear that the Rockies are far behind teams like Seattle in both talent and confidence.

• The Importance of This Moment
• This night was about more than just a win or a personal milestone. It symbolized:
• A new chapter for Seattle: The Mariners have long been fighting to escape the shadow of their past. This division win is proof that the team is moving forward.
• Raleigh’s place in history: Catchers are rarely remembered for hitting records, but Raleigh has changed that forever.
• Momentum for the playoffs: With strong pitching, a powerful offense, and a winning streak, the Mariners could be one of the most dangerous teams in the postseason.

Reactions from the Baseball World

Fans in Seattle could hardly contain their excitement. Many waved banners and signs celebrating Raleigh’s 60th homer. Social media exploded with videos of the blast, with fans calling him “Big Dumper,” his popular nickname, and celebrating his role as a leader.

Experts around baseball praised Raleigh not only for his hitting power but also for his endurance. Playing catcher is physically demanding, and yet Raleigh has managed to catch regularly while still hitting home runs at a record pace.

Mariners manager Scott Servais praised Raleigh after the game, saying that he has been “the heart and soul of the lineup” and that his historic achievement gave the whole team a boost of pride.

What’s Next for the Mariners

Clinching the AL West is just step one. The Mariners now have their eyes on a deep playoff run, possibly even the World Series. Their roster is balanced with both young stars like Julio Rodríguez and experienced players like Suárez and Polanco. Combined with a strong pitching staff led by Luis Castillo, they look ready for October battles.

Raleigh’s milestone will keep inspiring the team. His confidence and leadership could play a key role in guiding them through the intense pressure of postseason games.

Why Raleigh’s Achievement Stands Out

Some might ask: why is this milestone such a big deal? The answer is simple. In the modern game, hitting 60 home runs is extremely rare. Pitchers throw harder than ever, defensive shifts are smarter, and the season is long and exhausting. To reach 60, a player must stay healthy, consistent, and powerful from April through September.

For a catcher, the challenge is even greater. Catchers spend most of their energy crouching behind the plate, managing pitchers, and taking hits from foul balls and base runners. Their offensive numbers usually suffer as a result. But Raleigh has defied expectations. He has shown that a catcher can dominate both behind the plate and in the batter’s box.

The Big Picture

When baseball fans look back at the 2025 season, this night will stand out. Raleigh’s 60th homer wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was the centerpiece of a game that pushed the Mariners into the playoffs as division champions.

It gave fans hope, gave the team belief, and gave Raleigh a permanent place in the history books.

The story of September 25, 2025, is not only about one swing of the bat. It is about years of hard work, the end of a long wait, and the beginning of a new dream for the city of Seattle.

Cal Raleigh 60 home runs Seattle Mariners AL West champions