Seattle Mariners Fan Gives Historic Cal Raleigh 60th Home Run Ball to Child

During a Seattle Mariners game on September 24, a fan caught Cal Raleigh's historic 60th home run ball but surprised many by giving it to a nearby child rather than keeping or selling it, a gesture that went viral and earned widespread praise. This home run set multiple records, including Raleigh becoming the first MLB catcher to reach 60 homers in a season, and the ball could be worth as much as $250,000. The child traded the ball for a signed bat and was invited to future batting practice, while the Mariners are seeking to identify the generous fan. The act was contrasted with a recent incident involving a Philadelphia Phillies fan who controversially took a home run ball from a child, leading to the Seattle fan being dubbed the "anti-Phillies Karen" online. Despite some criticism over the financial value of the ball, the gesture highlighted sportsmanship and generosity during a significant playoff-clinching game for the Mariners, who secured their first postseason berth since 2001. Raleigh’s milestone and the fan’s kindness have both gained attention as the Mariners pursue a strong postseason run.