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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh achieved a remarkable milestone by breaking a long-standing home run record previously held by Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. This achievement came during the Mariners’ impressive 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
At 28 years old, Raleigh hit two home runs in the game, marking his 28th and 29th of the season. With these hits, he surpassed Bench’s record for the most home runs hit by a catcher prior to the All-Star break. This record had stood since 1970 when Bench set the bar.
Raleigh’s 28th home run was a significant moment, occurring in the first inning against Cubs’ starter Matthew Boyd. The ball flew just over the left-center field wall, enabling the Mariners to take an early 1-0 lead.
With this first-inning blast, Raleigh tied the legendary record held by Bench. However, the tie was short-lived.
In the seventh inning, Raleigh stepped up to the plate again. He faced Cubs’ reliever Caleb Thielbar and launched a powerful two-run home run down the line, pushing the Mariners ahead 6-4 and setting a new record. Raleigh expressed his excitement by saying, “Any time you’re mentioned in the same sentence with one of the best, if not the best ever to do it, is a special thing.” He added, “I’m just very grateful. He’s one heck of a player or was one heck of a player. And like I said, just very, very happy about it.”
With this performance, Raleigh not only broke the record but also established himself as a standout player. Currently, he leads Major League Baseball with 29 home runs, making this his sixth multi-home run game of the season. Notably, he achieved this record in only 73 games, while Bench had set his mark in 87 games, showcasing Raleigh’s impressive power-hitting ability.
Beyond his home runs, Raleigh is enjoying an excellent season overall. He maintains a .273 batting average and leads the American League in RBIs with a total of 63. His consistent performance has made him a key asset to the Mariners, who are currently sitting at a record of 38-36.
The Mariners are set to face the Cubs again on Saturday at 2:20 p.m. ET, providing another opportunity for Raleigh to display his exceptional talents on the field.
In summary, Cal Raleigh’s achievement marks a significant moment in baseball history. This moment not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores the rich tradition and competitive spirit of the sport. As he continues to break records and lead the league, fans eagerly anticipate what the remainder of the season holds for him and the Mariners.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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