Mariners' Cal Raleigh Hits 51st HR, Sets Catcher Home Run Record

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners has hit his 51st home run of the season, extending the major league record for home runs by a catcher and moving closer to Mickey Mantle's record of 54 home runs by a switch-hitter. Raleigh's 41 home runs while playing behind the plate tie him with Todd Hundley for the second most in a season, just shy of Javy López's record of 42. He has already surpassed Salvador Perez's previous record of 48 homers for catchers and is within reach of Ken Griffey Jr.'s Mariners single-season home run record of 56. This milestone highlights Raleigh's exceptional power-hitting season, especially considering the physical demands and defensive importance of the catcher position. His performance is considered one of the best in baseball history and has solidified his place in Mariners lore as he competes for the AL MVP. Raleigh's consistent power display includes a notable home run against the Tampa Bay Rays, marking his first in a week and maintaining his lead in major league home runs.