News Summary
Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners has made history by becoming the first catcher to win the MLB Home Run Derby. He overcame Junior Caminero in the finals, hitting 18 home runs against Caminero’s 15. Raleigh’s victory follows a record-setting season, where he leads MLB with 38 home runs, showcasing his remarkable talent and positioning him as a serious MVP candidate. His win marks the Mariners’ fourth derby title, tying them with the New York Yankees. The event was filled with memorable moments, including support from Raleigh’s family and impressive performances by other players.
Seattle – In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby, Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners catcher, made history by becoming the first catcher to win the competition, which has been held since 1985. Raleigh defeated Junior Caminero in the final round, hitting 18 home runs compared to Caminero’s 15.
Raleigh’s impressive victory comes on the heels of a record-setting season, as he currently leads Major League Baseball (MLB) with 38 home runs, the second-most ever recorded before the All-Star break. This achievement surpasses his previous career-high of 34 home runs set in the 2024 season.
In the crucial semifinals leading up to the final, Raleigh faced off against Oneil Cruz. The competition was intense, but Raleigh managed to secure his spot in the final after tying with Brent Rooker in the first round, both hitting 17 home runs. Raleigh advanced due to the distance of his longest home run at 470.62 feet, slightly longer than Rooker’s 470.54 feet.
During the first round, Raleigh showcased his incredible versatility by beginning as a left-handed batter, hitting eight home runs before switching to the right side of the plate to rack up nine more. This strategic approach helped him progress through the rounds and ultimately led to his victory.
Cal Raleigh’s remarkable performance this season has positioned him as a serious candidate for the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Currently, he has generated 4.8 wins above replacement, the second-highest in the league, just behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. His batting average sits at a career-high .259, and he leads the Mariners in on-base plus slugging percentage at 1.011. Additionally, Raleigh has stolen a personal-best 10 bases and scored 65 runs in the season.
Raleigh’s win also holds significance for the Mariners’ franchise history. He is only the second player from the team to win the derby, joining iconic slugger Ken Griffey Jr. The Mariners now boast the same number of Home Run Derby victories as the New York Yankees, both with four titles.
A memorable moment during the derby came when a young fan named Sam Musterer made headlines by robbing a home run hit by Junior Caminero in the final round. The exuberance of the event was heightened by the presence of Raleigh’s family, especially his brother, Todd Raleigh Jr. at just 15 years old, who caught for him during the derby and consistently provided encouragement throughout the competition. Raleigh’s father, Todd Raleigh, pitched for him, expressing immense pride in his son’s achievement.
Raleigh commented on the surreal nature of winning the Home Run Derby, reflecting on his lifelong passion for baseball. Despite feeling nervous during the event, he credited the support of his family, particularly the communication with his father and brother during timeouts, as a crucial factor in his performance.
The derby also showcased exceptional talent with Oneil Cruz hitting the longest home run of the event at 513 feet in the first round. Raleigh’s victory has ignited discussions about the future of MLB broadcasts, particularly regarding the Home Run Derby and its presentation.
As the season continues, Raleigh aims to build on his success, with fans eagerly watching his pursuit of further records and his contributions to the Mariners’ playoff aspirations.
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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
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