Cal Raleigh Catches Fire as First Catcher to Win Home Run Derby

In Atlanta on Monday night, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh proved he can handle more than just pitches — he can send baseballs soaring into the Southern sky. Raleigh became the first catcher in MLB history to win the Home Run Derby, edging Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero in a thrilling final round, 18–15.

Known affectionately as the “Big Dumper,” Raleigh slugged a total of 54 homers on the night and joined Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr. as the only players from Seattle to take home the Derby crown. The switch-hitting backstop even wowed the crowd by hitting 10 home runs from the left side and seven from the right during his opening round, adding another first to his resume.

Raleigh’s path to victory wasn’t smooth. In the first round, he narrowly escaped elimination when his longest home run barely topped Brent Rooker’s by less than an inch in distance. But once the tiebreaker went his way, he turned on the power and never looked back — even knocking one 470 feet.

Raleigh credited his family for helping him shine under pressure. His father Todd pitched to him while his brother “T” caught pitches and hollered encouragement. It was a family affair and a historic moment Mariners fans won’t soon forget.