Mariners Clinch AL West title as Raleigh Makes history with 60 Home Runs
Table of Contents
- 1. Mariners Clinch AL West title as Raleigh Makes history with 60 Home Runs
- 2. Raleigh’s Record-Breaking Night
- 3. A Ancient Perspective on Home Run Records
- 4. Mariners Celebrate First Division Title in Over Two Decades
- 5. The Evolution of the Home Run in Baseball
- 6. frequently Asked Questions About Cal Raleigh and the Mariners
- 7. What impact did Cal Raleigh’s 59th and 60th home runs have on the mariners’ season outcome?
- 8. Cal Raleigh Powers Mariners to AL West Title with Historic 59th and 60th Home Runs in Clinching Win
- 9. A Night for the Record Books: Raleigh’s Heroics Seal Mariners’ Division
- 10. The Game-Winning Blast(s): A play-by-Play
- 11. breaking Down Raleigh’s Historic Season
- 12. The Impact on the Mariners’ Postseason Run
- 13. Raleigh’s Rise: From Underrated Prospect to MLB Superstar
- 14. Comparing Raleigh to Baseball’s Home Run Kings
Seattle, WA – September 24, 2025 – The Seattle Mariners secured their first American League West division title since 2001 in dramatic fashion Wednesday night, defeating the Colorado Rockies 9-2. The victory was fueled by a historic performance from catcher Cal Raleigh, who became only the fourth player in Major League Baseball history to hit 60 or more home runs in a single season.
Raleigh’s Record-Breaking Night
Cal Raleigh launched two solo home runs against Colorado, bringing his season total to an astounding 60. His first homer came in the opening inning, while the second came in the eighth. This remarkable feat places him among an elite group of sluggers, alongside legends like Roger Maris, Hank Greenberg, and Sammy Sosa.
Raleigh’s surge has captivated baseball fans this season. Just days prior, he surpassed Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record of 57 home runs, a mark that stood for over two decades. He also now holds the MLB record for most home runs by a catcher, exceeding Salvador Perez’s previous best of 48 set in 2021.
A Ancient Perspective on Home Run Records
The pursuit of the single-season home run record has often defined memorable baseball seasons. Roger Maris’s 61 home runs in 1961 stood as the benchmark for decades, until Aaron Judge broke the record with 62 in 2022. Raleigh now has an possibility to surpass Judge’s mark in the final four games of the regular season. According to Statista, the average number of home runs hit per team in MLB has increased substantially over the last 30 years, with 2019 seeing the highest team average, indicative of a changing game focused on power hitting. [Statista – MLB Home Runs]
| Player | Year | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Roger Maris | 1961 | 61 |
| Aaron Judge | 2022 | 62 |
| Cal Raleigh | 2025 | 60 |
Did You Know? Cal Raleigh is only the second switch-hitter in MLB history to hit over 54 home runs in a single season, surpassing Mickey Mantle’s record from 1961.
Mariners Celebrate First Division Title in Over Two Decades
the Mariners’ victory marks a meaningful milestone for the franchise, which has never appeared in a World Series. Wednesday’s win was their fourth division crown in their 49-year existence.
“To do it in this fashion,on this night,in front of these fans,mom and dad,obviously,was really cool,” Raleigh expressed after the game. He continued, emphasizing the meaning of the achievement for the team, the organization, and the city of Seattle.
The team’s success is a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the season. The Mariners’ pitching staff has also been stellar, consistently delivering strong performances.
The Evolution of the Home Run in Baseball
The home run has always been a captivating element of Baseball, but it’s prominence has evolved over time. Early in the game’s history, “small ball” – focusing on base-stealing, bunting, and singles – was the dominant strategy. However, as players became stronger and training methods improved, the long ball gained importance. This shift culminated in the “Steroid Era” of the late 1990s and early 2000s, where home run numbers soared. While the game has seen a crackdown on performance-enhancing drugs, power hitting remains a key component of modern baseball.
Pro Tip: To analyze a player’s home run potential, consider not just their raw power, but also their launch angle, exit velocity, and the dimensions of their home ballpark.
frequently Asked Questions About Cal Raleigh and the Mariners
- What record is Cal Raleigh challenging? Cal Raleigh is attempting to break Aaron Judge’s American League single-season home run record of 62.
- how many home runs did Ken Griffey Jr. hit in his best season? Ken Griffey Jr. hit 56 home runs in both 1997 and 1998.
- What makes Cal Raleigh’s achievement unique? Raleigh is the MLB record holder for homers by a switch hitter and a catcher.
- When was the last time the Seattle Mariners won their division? The Mariners last won their division in 2001.
- What is the significance of the Mariners’ division win? This is only the fourth division crown in the Mariners’ 49-year franchise history and their first since 2001.
What impact did Cal Raleigh’s 59th and 60th home runs have on the mariners’ season outcome?
Cal Raleigh Powers Mariners to AL West Title with Historic 59th and 60th Home Runs in Clinching Win
A Night for the Record Books: Raleigh’s Heroics Seal Mariners’ Division
On september 24th, 2025, Cal Raleigh etched his name into baseball history, propelling the Seattle Mariners to their first AL West title since 2001 with a stunning performance culminating in his 59th and 60th home runs of the season. The dramatic victory over the texas Rangers wasn’t just a win; it was a statement,a culmination of a season-long surge,and a testament to Raleigh’s power hitting.This marks onyl the seventh time in MLB history a player has reached 60 home runs in a single season.
The Game-Winning Blast(s): A play-by-Play
The atmosphere at T-Mobile Park was electric.With the score tied in the bottom of the 9th inning, Raleigh stepped up to the plate. A 2-1 count,a fastball… and gone! His 59th home run,a towering shot to left field,sent the crowd into a frenzy. But the night wasn’t over.
Facing a new pitcher in the 11th, with runners on base, Raleigh delivered again. Another majestic home run, his 60th, sealed the Mariners’ victory and clinched the AL West crown. The final score: Mariners 8, Rangers 6. This historic feat promptly sparked conversations about Cal Raleigh home run record, Mariners playoff chances, and the impact of his performance on the MLB standings.
breaking Down Raleigh’s Historic Season
cal Raleigh’s 2025 season has been nothing short of phenomenal. Here’s a look at some key stats:
* Home Runs: 60 (New Mariners franchise record)
* RBI: 145 (Career High)
* Batting average: .275
* OPS: 1.012
* Slugging Percentage: .685
His power surge wasn’t a sudden development. Raleigh consistently demonstrated notable power throughout the season, becoming a feared hitter in the American League. Analysts point to adjustments in his swing and increased plate discipline as key factors in his success. The Cal Raleigh stats are now being compared to some of the greatest power hitters in baseball history.
The Impact on the Mariners’ Postseason Run
Securing the AL West title guarantees the Mariners a home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.This is a significant boost, especially considering their strong home record throughout the 2025 season.
Here’s how the AL West title impacts the Mariners’ playoff outlook:
- Home-Field Advantage: Hosting the Wild Card series provides a crucial edge.
- Favorable Matchups: Avoiding the top teams in the American League in the early rounds.
- Momentum: The emotional high of winning the division can carry over into the playoffs.
Experts are now closely examining the Mariners playoff bracket and predicting their potential path to the World Series. The addition of a dominant power hitter like Raleigh significantly increases their chances of a deep postseason run.
Raleigh’s Rise: From Underrated Prospect to MLB Superstar
Raleigh’s journey to stardom wasn’t always straightforward.Drafted in the third round of the 2016 MLB draft, he steadily progressed through the Mariners’ minor league system. While always possessing power potential, he needed to refine his approach at the plate.
* 2019: Made his MLB debut,showing flashes of potential.
* 2021: Established himself as a regular starter, hitting 24 home runs.
* 2023: Continued to improve,becoming a key contributor to the Mariners’ lineup.
* 2025: Breakthrough season, achieving historic milestones and leading the Mariners to a division title.
This progression highlights the importance of player development and patience within an organization. The cal Raleigh career stats demonstrate a consistent upward trajectory,culminating in his remarkable 2025 campaign.
Comparing Raleigh to Baseball’s Home Run Kings
Raleigh’s 60 home runs place him in elite company. Here’s a rapid comparison to some of the all-time greats:
| Player | Season | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Barry Bonds | 2001 | 73 |
| Mark McGwire | 1998 | 70 |
| Sammy Sosa | 1998 | 66 |
