Mariners' Cal Raleigh Hits 50 Home Runs, Joins Griffey Jr. in Franchise History

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has made MLB history by hitting his 50th home run of the season, becoming the first catcher ever to reach this milestone and joining Ken Griffey Jr. as only the second player in Mariners history with a 50-home run season. Raleigh's power surge places him 10 homers ahead of Aaron Judge and just five home runs shy of breaking Mickey Mantle's single-season switch-hitter home run record of 54. His achievement before September places him among elite company including Roger Maris, Mark McGwire, and Barry Bonds, while also extending his lead as the 2025 home run leader. Raleigh's development as a switch hitter with refined timing and pitch recognition has made him a formidable presence at the plate, significantly boosting the Mariners' playoff aspirations and reshaping how opposing pitchers approach the team. Beyond individual records, Raleigh's clutch performances have intensified the Mariners-Padres rivalry and contributed to key victories, including securing the Vedder Trophy for Seattle. His continued power hitting could see him challenge the American League home run record set by Aaron Judge in 2022.