Baseball has a way of giving us magical moments, and on a warm September night in Kansas City, Cal Raleigh broke Mickey Mantle home run record and tied Ken Griffey Jr. in Mariners history. For Seattle fans, it wasn’t just another win; it was a moment that tied their present to the legends of baseball’s past. Raleigh, affectionately called “The Big Dumper,” etched his name into the record books with a performance that will be remembered for years.
Cal Raleigh Breaks Mickey Mantle Home Run Record
When Raleigh stepped into the batter’s box against Royals pitcher Michael Wacha in the third inning, no one could have predicted what was coming. With one smooth swing, he launched his 55th homer of the season, breaking Mickey Mantle’s long-standing record for most home runs in a season by a switch-hitter. Mantle’s 54-home run mark, set in 1961 during the same season Roger Maris surpassed Babe Ruth, had stood untouched for decades. Raleigh now owns that piece of baseball history. Cal Raleigh Breaks Mickey Mantle.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is Raleigh’s humility. Speaking after the game, he said, “I feel like my name shouldn’t even be in the same sentence with those guys, Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr. I don’t really have words for it. I’m sure one day it will set in.”
Cal Raleigh Breaks Mickey Mantle
Raleigh’s night wasn’t finished after breaking Mantle’s record. In his next at-bat, he faced Daniel Lynch IV and crushed his 56th home run of the season. That blast tied him with Ken Griffey Jr., the Mariners icon who hit 56 homers in both 1997 and 1998. For a catcher to reach the same heights as Griffey, one of baseball’s most graceful sluggers, is extraordinary. Cal Raleigh Breaks Mickey Mantle.
Adding another layer of history, Raleigh’s two home runs came from both sides of the plate. That switch-hitting versatility mirrors Mantle’s legacy while tying into the Mariners’ greatest era under Griffey.
Raleigh’s Historic Season Cal Raleigh Breaks Mickey Mantle
Raleigh isn’t new to rewriting the record books. He already owns the record for most home runs in a single season by a catcher. By hitting his 55th and 56th homers, he became not just the face of Seattle’s playoff push but also the top home run hitter in all of Major League Baseball this season. His 56 home runs lead Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies by three.
On September 14, Raleigh tied Mantle’s record with a 409-foot two-run homer against the Angels at T-Mobile Park. Just two days later, he shattered it and tied Griffey, cementing his place among baseball’s power hitters.
Mariners’ Playoff Push Fueled by Cal Raleigh
Seattle’s 12-5 rout of the Kansas City Royals wasn’t just about personal milestones. The Mariners extended their winning streak to 10 games, climbing to the top of the AL West standings with an 83-68 record. They now hold a razor-thin half-game lead over the Houston Astros, setting up a thrilling showdown when the two teams meet in Houston for a three-game series starting September 19.
For Mariners fans, Raleigh’s historic season feels like the spark needed to push Seattle deeper into October baseball. Every home run not only sets records but also builds momentum for the playoff race. Cal Raleigh Breaks Mickey Mantle.
Why Cal Raleigh’s Record Matters
Baseball thrives on history, and records are its heartbeat. Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr. are not just names; they’re legends who defined eras. For Raleigh to join them in the record books proves that today’s game still produces icons who can inspire future generations. His power at the plate isn’t just about numbers; it’s about timing, leadership, and giving his team a fighting chance in one of the tightest division races.
FAQs About Cal Raleigh’s Historic Home Runs
- Who did Cal Raleigh pass with his 55th home run?
Raleigh broke Mickey Mantle’s record of 54 home runs in a single season by a switch-hitter, a record set in 1961. - Whose Mariners record did Raleigh tie with his 56th homer?
He tied Ken Griffey Jr., who hit 56 home runs in both 1997 and 1998. - What nickname does Cal Raleigh go by?
He’s affectionately known as “The Big Dumper,” a name Mariners fans proudly use. - How many games have the Mariners won in a row?
Seattle has won 10 consecutive games, pushing them into first place in the AL West. - Who is trailing Cal Raleigh in the home run race?
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber is three home runs behind Raleigh in the 2025 MLB home run leaderboard. - Why are Raleigh’s homers important for the Mariners’ playoff hopes?
Each of Raleigh’s historic swings has helped power Seattle to crucial wins, keeping them just ahead of the Houston Astros in a tight division race.
Final Thoughts
The story of Cal Raleigh breaks Mickey Mantle home run record and ties Ken Griffey Jr. is one of power, perseverance, and history. For Mariners fans, it’s a reminder of Griffey’s golden era and a promise of new chapters led by Raleigh. For baseball as a whole, it’s proof that the game continues to produce unforgettable moments that will echo for generations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from the 2025 MLB season. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.
