News Summary
Cal Raleigh, catcher for the Seattle Mariners, made history by winning the MLB Home Run Derby, becoming the first catcher to achieve this feat since 1985. He outperformed Junior Caminero with a final total of 18 home runs after a thrilling competition. Raleigh’s journey included key performances and a record-breaking home run before the All-Star break, solidifying his position as a potential MVP candidate. With family support and an impressive showing, Raleigh’s victory has sparked discussions on the event’s future and is a defining moment in his baseball career.
Seattle, Washington — Cal Raleigh Makes History by Winning the 2025 Home Run Derby
Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, secured a historic victory at the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby, defeating Junior Caminero in the final round. This achievement marks a significant milestone as Raleigh becomes the first catcher in the event’s history to win the Derby since it began in 1985.
Key Details of the Event
Raleigh’s triumph was highlighted by a competitive final round where he hit 18 home runs, edging out Caminero, who managed 15. The semifinals saw Raleigh narrowly advance after a tense matchup against Oneil Cruz, with Raleigh progressing thanks to a tie-breaking calculation involving the longest home run of the round, measuring 470.62 feet, slightly surpassing Cruz’s 470.54 feet.
In the initial round, Raleigh started as a left-handed batter, hitting eight home runs before switching to right-handed batting, where he added nine more. His performance in the first round was Andy competitive, tying Brent Rooker by hitting 17 home runs each. Raleigh advanced to the next stage due to a longer maximum home run, demonstrating his power-hitting capabilities.
Record-Breaking and Career Highlights
Raleigh’s 38 home runs before the All-Star break is the second-highest total ever at this point in a season, surpassing his previous career-high of 34, set during the 2024 season. His performance this year has positioned him as a candidate for the American League Most Valuable Player award. Currently, he has accumulated 4.8 wins above replacement, ranking second in the league behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
Additionally, Raleigh is hitting at a career-high .259 batting average and leads the Mariners with an impressive on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.011. He has also stolen 10 bases — a personal best — and scored 65 runs, further demonstrating his all-around contribution to the team.
Supporting Cast and Momentous Occasions
During the Derby, Raleigh’s 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., caught for him and offered ongoing encouragement throughout. The event also included a historic highlight from a young fan, Sam Musterer, who made headlines by robber a home run from Junior Caminero during the final round, adding to the spectacle.
Team and Broader Context
The Mariners’ victory in the Home Run Derby brought their total number of wins to four, tying them with the New York Yankees for the most in MLB history. Raleigh’s success has moreover sparked ongoing discussions about the format and broadcasting of the event, especially regarding future coverage and presentation.
Additional Notable Performances and Reflections
In the first round, Cruz delivered the longest home run of the event at 513 feet. Raleigh acknowledged having felt nervous but credited his family’s support as vital for maintaining focus. Communication with his father, Todd Raleigh, who pitched during the event, played a key role. His father expressed pride in his son’s achievement.
For Raleigh, winning the Home Run Derby was a dream come true and a defining moment in his career. He described the experience as surreal, highlighting how the support of his family and his own dedication contributed to his performance.
Overall, Cal Raleigh’s victory and record-setting performance have marked a historic moment in Major League Baseball, showcasing his remarkable power and potential for future recognition in the sport.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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