News Summary
Cal Raleigh, catcher for the Seattle Mariners, has made history as the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby, defeating Junior Caminero in a thrilling final. Raleigh hit 18 home runs in the final round, showcasing his exceptional power and skill. His victory adds to a stellar season, where he has already recorded 38 home runs, ranking him among the top hitters in MLB history. Supported by his family during the event, Raleigh’s achievement marks a significant milestone for both him and the Mariners organization.
Seattle, WA — Cal Raleigh Makes History by Winning the 2025 Home Run Derby
Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, has won the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby, marking a significant milestone as the first catcher to ever claim the title since the event’s inception in 1985. His victory occurred after defeating Junior Caminero in a closely contested final round, with Raleigh hitting a total of 18 home runs compared to Caminero’s 15.
Key Details of the Championship Win
In the final round, Raleigh’s performance was decisive, hitting 18 home runs to Caminero’s 15. The semifinal was particularly tense, as Raleigh faced Oneil Cruz. In the first round, Raleigh tied Brent Rooker with 17 home runs each. Raleigh advanced based on a tiebreaker that considered the longest home run, which measured 470.62 feet, slightly surpassing Rooker’s 470.54 feet.
During the first round, Raleigh initially swung as a left-handed hitter, connecting for eight home runs before switching to right-handed and hitting nine additional home runs. This switch contributed to his overall success in the event.
Raleigh’s Historic Season and Career Highlights
Raleigh’s victory at the Derby complements his impressive regular season performance. He has hit 38 home runs before the All-Star break, ranking as the second-most at this point in a season in MLB history. This total surpasses his previous career-high of 34 home runs, set in 2024.
In addition to power hitting, Raleigh has been a strong all-around contributor for the Mariners, leading the team in on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) at 1.011. He is batting at a career-high .259 and has stolen 10 bases, also a personal best. Furthermore, he has scored 65 runs this season, underscoring his offensive impact.
Recognition and Awards Consideration
The strength of Raleigh’s performance is gaining recognition, with many suggesting him as a leading candidate for the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He has accumulated 4.8 wins above replacement (WAR), ranking second in the league behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
Participation and Support During the Derby
During the event, Raleigh was accompanied by Todd Raleigh Jr., his 15-year-old brother, who caught for him during the Derby and offered continuous encouragement. The player acknowledged feeling nervous but credited family support for helping him focus. Communication with his father and brother during timeouts was a crucial element in maintaining his performance.
Raleigh’s father, Todd Raleigh, who pitched to him during the event, expressed great pride in his son’s achievement. The moment was described as a surreal experience for Raleigh, a lifelong baseball enthusiast who called it a “dream come true.
Notable Moments and Public Interest
A notable moment during the Derby involved a young fan, Sam Musterer, who made headlines by robbing a home run from Caminero during the final round. The event’s excitement has sparked additional discussions regarding future broadcasting of the Derby and its place in MLB entertainment.
Historical Context and League Comparison
With this victory, the Seattle Mariners now share the record for most Home Run Derby titles with the New York Yankees, both teams having registered four wins. Ongoing comparisons of players’ performances suggest that Raleigh’s current season will be remembered as one of the most impressive in recent MLB history.
Summary
The 2025 Home Run Derby has been a landmark event for Cal Raleigh, highlighting his power, consistency, and climb within Major League Baseball. His historic win not only cements his reputation as a premier power hitter but also marks a historic moment in the event’s history as the first catcher to win the Derby. Raleigh’s season and performance continue to attract attention as he aims for further accolades and contributions to the Mariners’ success this year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
