News Summary
Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners has made history by becoming the first catcher to win the MLB Home Run Derby since its inception. His victory over Junior Caminero features a remarkable performance, hitting 18 home runs in the final round. Raleigh’s achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also strengthens his team’s legacy alongside baseball greats. This season has been outstanding for Raleigh, who has also set personal records in home runs and overall performance, becoming a top candidate for the MVP award.
Seattle, Washington — Cal Raleigh Makes History by Winning 2025 MLB Home Run Derby
Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, secured a historic victory at the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) Home Run Derby, held in Seattle this year. Raleigh defeated Junior Caminero in the final round, earning his first Home Run Derby title and making a significant mark in baseball history.
Breakthrough Achievement for a Catcher
Raleigh’s win is notable for being the first by a catcher since the event’s inception in 1985. His victory not only marks a personal milestone but also signifies a rare achievement for players in his position. Raleigh becomes the second Mariners player to win the Derby, joining legendary outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who previously secured the title.
Final Round Performance
In the championship round, Raleigh hit 18 home runs, outdueling Caminero, who managed 15. The competition was tense, with Raleigh ultimately prevailing thanks to his superior total in the final stage.
Journey Through the Semifinals and Early Rounds
Raleigh’s path to victory featured a dramatic semifinal against Oneil Cruz, where he narrowly advanced. During the first round, Raleigh tied Brent Rooker with 17 home runs, but advanced based on the length of his longest shot—470.62 feet, slightly exceeding Rooker’s 470.54 feet. Additionally, Raleigh’s first-round performance showcased his versatility; he began batting left-handed, hitting eight home runs before switching to right-handed and adding nine more.
Impressive Season Leading Up to Victory
Raleigh’s performance this season is record-breaking within his career. Before the All-Star break, he hit 38 home runs, the second-most at this point in a season in MLB history. This surpassed his previous career-high of 34 home runs, set in 2024. His offensive production has established him as a leading candidate for the American League Most Valuable Player award.
In addition to his power hitting, Raleigh has accumulated 4.8 wins above replacement (WAR), making him the second-highest in the league after Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. The catcher is also hitting a career-high batting average of .259 and leads the Mariners in on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) at 1.011. He has also tallied a personal best of 10 stolen bases and scored 65 runs during this season.
Personal Moments and Notable Highlights
During the Derby, Raleigh’s 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., caught for him and offered continuous encouragement. Raleigh described the event as a surreal experience, emphasizing the support from family members, including his father, Todd Raleigh, who pitched to him during the competition. His father’s involvement added an emotional layer to the event, with expressed pride in his son’s achievement.
A memorable highlight during the event was a young fan named Sam Musterer, who made headlines for robbing a home run from Caminero during the final round, a moment that captivated attendees and emphasized the event’s community engagement.
Impact and Historical Context
Raleigh’s victory has placed him among notable figures in baseball history. The Mariners now share the same number of Home Run Derby titles as the New York Yankees, both teams having garnered four wins in the event’s history. His win has also sparked discussions about future broadcasting rights and the presentation of the Derby in years to come.
Notable Performance and Reflection
Other notable performances during the Derby included Cruz’s impressive 513-foot home run in the first round, which stands as the event’s longest. Despite his nervousness, Raleigh credited his family’s support and strategic communication during timeouts as crucial to his success. His family’s involvement, particularly his father’s role in pitching, underscored the personal significance of this victory.
This career milestone is a culmination of Raleigh’s hard work and dedication to baseball. His victory not only emphasizes his power and skill but also secures his place in the history of the MLB Home Run Derby as the first catcher to ever win the competition, providing a noteworthy chapter in MLB’s evolving story.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Live Updates
- ESPN: Cal Raleigh First Catcher to Win Home Run Derby
- MLB: Cal Raleigh Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
- Fox Sports: Live Updates from Home Run Derby
- Wikipedia: Home Run Derby
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