🧨Cal Raleigh, he will become a legend.
🧨“A Catcher Leading the Home Run Race?!” – Cal Raleigh Smashes 36th Homer Before All-Star Break, Takes AL Lead!
By hu lee | July 9, 2025
Baseball history was rewritten last night. What seemed impossible for a catcher is now reality. Meet Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners—the man who just exploded into the center of the 2025 American League home run race.
On July 8, facing the New York Yankees, Raleigh crushed his 36th home run of the season, setting a new MLB record for most home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break. And with that blast, he officially overtook Aaron Judge to claim the top spot in the AL home run leaderboard.
💣 One Swing, One Historic Record
In the top of the 8th inning, down 0-2 in the count, Raleigh turned on a slider and launched it over the right-field wall. The ball left his bat at 107.7 mph and traveled 393 feet into the Bronx night.
“It’s unbelievable to see that kind of power from a catcher,”
– Yankees Manager Aaron Boone
📊 Numbers That Speak for Themselves
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Home Runs | 36 (AL leader) |
| Most HR by a catcher before ASG | All-time record |
| Home runs in June | 13 |
| OPS | .918 |
| WAR | 4.6 |
He just broke the record held by legendary sluggers like Mike Piazza (35 HR) and even surpassed the Mariners' iconic Ken Griffey Jr., if counting catcher-specific numbers. Raleigh isn’t just making noise—he’s making history.
⚔️ Judge vs. Raleigh – The Home Run Race Heats Up
Aaron Judge also hit his 34th homer in the same game, but for the first time this season, the narrative has shifted:
Can a catcher actually win the home run crown?
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Judge: 34 HR / .950 OPS / 5.0 WAR
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Raleigh: 36 HR / .918 OPS / 4.6 WAR
This isn't just a hot streak. It’s a power revolution—and Raleigh is leading it.
🧠 Analyst Breakdown: "He’s More Than Just a Power Bat"
According to MLB analyst Ken Rosenthal:
“Raleigh is the most complete offensive catcher this year. His defense is above average, and his focus at the plate is elite. He’s redefining what it means to be a catcher in 2025.”
Even ESPN called him the symbol of a new generation of catchers—ones who lead both behind the plate and in the batter’s box.
📣 Fan Reactions – “He’s the Real MVP!”
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Reddit: “Judge is great, but Raleigh feels unstoppable. A cheat code.”
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Twitter/X: “A catcher with 36 bombs? Unreal.”
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The Athletic Fan Poll: “MVP pick: Cal Raleigh” – 64% of votes
🧾 Final Word: Cal Raleigh Isn't Just Breaking Records. He's Becoming a Legend.
Cal Raleigh is no longer just a hard-hitting backstop. He is, right now, the most feared power hitter in the American League—and he's doing it from a position that was never meant for this.
His bat isn’t just scoring runs. It’s redefining the DNA of baseball itself.
The All-Star Game is coming.
And if there’s one name that truly deserves the spotlight—
It’s Cal Raleigh.
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🧷 Hashtags
#CalRaleigh #MLBHomeRunLeader #CatcherPower #ALHomeRunRace #MLB2025 #AllStarGame #SeattleMariners #BaseballHistory #MVPWatch #JudgeVsRaleigh
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