A Historic Night in Baseball
In a stunning display of power, emotion, and determination, Cal Raleigh, catcher for the Seattle Mariners, etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history by winning the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. The event took place on July 14, 2025, at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, and saw Raleigh overcome fierce competition to emerge as a surprise—but well-deserved—champion.
What made this victory even more special? Cal Raleigh became:
- The first catcher ever to win the Home Run Derby.
- The first switch-hitter to take the title.
- The first Seattle Mariner to win since the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. in 1999.
The Road to Victory
The Home Run Derby featured eight of baseball’s most powerful hitters, including rising stars and established names. Cal Raleigh wasn’t the top favorite going in, but he quietly turned the bracket on its head with a combination of consistent power hitting and timely momentum.
Let’s break down his journey to the crown:
Round 1: A Nail-Biting Escape
In his first round, Cal faced off against Brent Rooker. Both players hit 17 home runs, leading to a dramatic tie.
Here’s where things got intense.
MLB’s tie-breaking rule determines the winner based on the longest home run. Raleigh’s longest blast was a mammoth 470.61 feet. Rooker? A near-identical 470.53 feet.
The difference? Just 0.96 inches!
Raleigh advanced by the narrowest of margins—a literal inch—setting the tone for the unforgettable night to follow.
Semifinals: Powering Past Oneil Cruz
Facing the towering Oneil Cruz, known for his raw strength and monstrous swings, Raleigh knew he had to bring his best. Cruz had already hit a 513-foot homer—the longest in Derby history at Truist Park.
But Raleigh didn’t flinch.
He slugged 19 homers in the semifinals, outpacing Cruz’s 13. With his calm demeanor and smooth swing, Raleigh proved he wasn’t just lucky in Round 1—he was a serious contender.
Final Round: Topping Caminero for the Crown
In the final round, Cal went head-to-head with Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, a 22-year-old rising star who had dazzled with 21 homers in Round 1.
This time, Raleigh made sure there was no need for a tiebreaker. He hammered 18 home runs, while Caminero finished with 15.
Final tally for Cal Raleigh:
- 54 home runs total
- Longest home run: 470.61 ft
- Most heart: infinite
A Family Affair
Adding a beautiful emotional layer to the night, Raleigh wasn’t just there with teammates and fans—he was backed by his family in a deeply personal way.
- His father, Todd Raleigh, pitched to him.
- His younger brother, Todd Jr., served as the catcher behind him.
“It means the world,” Raleigh said after the event. “My dad and brother were out there with me. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
Baseball isn’t just stats and speed—it’s also about legacy, connection, and shared dreams. And Raleigh’s family support made this win one of the most touching in Home Run Derby history.
Complete 2025 Home Run Derby Results
| Round | Opponent | Homers Hit | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Brent Rooker | 17 (won by tiebreaker) | Advanced |
| Semifinal | Oneil Cruz | 19 | Advanced |
| Final | Junior Caminero | 18 | WINNER |
| Total | — | 54 | — |
Who is Cal Raleigh?
If you’re not a Mariners fan, you might be wondering: who is this slugger?
Full Name: Cal Raleigh
Position: Catcher
Bats: Switch
Team: Seattle Mariners
Age: 28
2025 Home Runs Before Derby: 38 (Most in MLB at the All-Star break)
Raleigh is known for his strong leadership behind the plate, clutch hitting, and defensive reliability. But 2025 has been his true breakout year—he entered the All-Star break leading all of MLB in home runs.
Now, he’s not just a fan favorite in Seattle. He’s a national name—and a Derby champion.
Memorable Moments
- Inch-Perfect Tiebreaker: His win over Rooker was decided by less than an inch. That moment may go down as the closest tiebreaker in Derby history.
- Historic Swing: As a switch-hitter, Raleigh defied the odds and made history—joining an exclusive club of Derby winners who hit from both sides.
- Family Vibes: MLB fans were moved by the Raleigh family’s teamwork, making it a real-life “Field of Dreams” moment.
Fan Reactions and Media Buzz
The internet exploded with praise for Cal Raleigh after his win. MLB analysts, former players, and fans celebrated the underdog victory, especially for a position not known for slugging.
- Ken Griffey Jr. tweeted: “Seattle is proud. Big Dumper did it!”
- MLB Network: “A performance for the ages. Cal Raleigh showed poise, power, and passion.”
Even Brent Rooker, despite being on the losing end of that tiebreaker, showed class by congratulating Raleigh—though he also raised concerns about the clarity of tie-breaking rules.
What’s Next for Cal Raleigh?
With 38 homers already in the 2025 regular season, Raleigh is poised to chase 50+. His Home Run Derby win has only added to his confidence and swagger.
He’ll return to the Mariners with momentum, leading their playoff push with more fans now paying attention to his every swing.
The 2025 Home Run Derby wasn’t just a slugfest—it was a story of perseverance, family, and rewriting baseball history. Cal Raleigh may not have been the flashiest name on the bracket, but he walked away with the crown, the respect of fans worldwide, and a story that will be told for years.
From almost missing the cut in Round 1 to lifting the trophy in the final, Cal Raleigh’s Derby win was nothing short of magical.
