Atlanta, GA – The baseball world watched in awe on Monday night as Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, affectionately known as “Big Dumper,” etched his name into the annals of history, capturing the coveted 2025 MLB Home Run Derby title. His triumph at Truist Park wasn’t just a dazzling display of raw power; it was a fitting coronation for a player already in the midst of a truly historic power season.
Raleigh’s journey to the crown was nothing short of captivating, marked by dramatic moments and record-breaking swings. He emerged victorious in a thrilling final-round showdown against the Tampa Bay Rays’ burgeoning star, Junior Caminero, launching 18 dingers to Caminero’s 15. The cheers from the Atlanta crowd, and indeed, from Mariners fans across the globe, were deafening.
What makes Raleigh’s victory even more remarkable are the unprecedented achievements he tallied along the way. He became the first catcher in the long and storied history of the Home Run Derby to hoist the trophy. Furthermore, as a switch-hitter, he broke new ground, becoming the first switch-hitter to win outright, a testament to his incredible versatility and strength from both sides of the plate. And to think, this was his very first appearance in the prestigious slugfest.
The drama began early for Raleigh. In a nail-biting first round, he found himself tied with Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker, both with 17 home runs. The tiebreaker, based on the longest home run, was decided by the slimmest of margins – less than an inch (0.08 feet) – with Raleigh’s 470.62-foot blast narrowly surpassing Rooker’s 470.54 feet. It was a moment that underscored the sheer intensity of the competition and Raleigh’s grit under pressure.
“My goodness gracious, that’s close,” a grinning Raleigh remarked after the first-round escape. “An inch off, and I’m not even in the final four, which is amazing. So I guess I got lucky there. One extra biscuit!”
Throughout the competition, Raleigh showcased his impressive power, ultimately smashing a grand total of 54 home runs. The familial support was palpable, with his father, Todd Raleigh, pitching to him, and his younger brother, Todd Jr., catching behind the plate. This heartwarming family affair added another layer of charm to an already memorable night. As the victor, Raleigh not only claimed the iconic diamond-encrusted “Keep Swinging” Derby chain but also a cool $1 million prize.
But the Home Run Derby title is merely the icing on the cake of what has been a truly historic power season for the Seattle Mariners’ backstop. Entering the All-Star break, Raleigh was not just leading the Mariners; he was leading all of MLB with an astounding 38 home runs. This figure marks a significant career high for Raleigh, already eclipsing his 34 home runs from the 2024 season.
His monumental performance has put him on a trajectory to shatter existing records for home runs by a catcher in a single MLB season. Moreover, he has already rewritten the Mariners’ franchise record books, surpassing legendary slugger Ken Griffey Jr.’s mark of 36 pre-All-Star break homers set back in 1998. Raleigh’s consistent power month after month, rather than just a hot streak, speaks volumes about his development into one of baseball’s premier offensive talents.
The “Big Dumper” is no longer just a fan favorite; he’s a legitimate MVP candidate and a force to be reckoned with at the plate. His ability to hit for power from both sides of the plate makes him a nightmare for opposing pitchers, and his relentless pursuit of extra-base hits has been a cornerstone of the Mariners’ success this season.
As the second half of the 2025 MLB season gets underway, all eyes will be on Cal Raleigh. Can he maintain this unprecedented pace? Will he break even more records? One thing is certain: his Home Run Derby crown is a fitting tribute to a season that is already defining his legacy as one of the most powerful catchers in baseball history. The “Big Dumper” era is in full swing, and it’s proving to be nothing short of spectacular.
