Cal Raleigh, the dynamic catcher for the Seattle Mariners, recently blasted his 60th home run of the season. With this historic achievement, he joins an elite group of only seven players in Major League Baseball history to hit 60 or more home runs in a single season. This exclusive club includes legends like Roger Maris, Barry Bonds, and Babe Ruth.
Raleigh’s milestone home run came from a four-seam fastball thrown by Colorado Rockies reliever Angel Chivilli. Earlier in that same game, he hit his 59th homer, sparking excitement among fans.
Now, with just four games left in the season, Raleigh is chasing the American League record of 62 home runs, set by Aaron Judge just last year. It’s intriguing how quickly Raleigh has made this leap, reaching milestones that often take decades to achieve.
Historically, it’s been a long wait between 60-homer seasons. Babe Ruth first set the bar in 1927. Roger Maris followed in 1961, marking a major moment for the Yankees as he outshined his teammate Mickey Mantle in a thrilling race.
The late 1990s saw an unforgettable home run rivalry between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Both players surpassed the 60-home run mark multiple times, igniting fan passion but also sparking controversy due to performance-enhancing drug allegations. Barry Bonds later set the record in 2001 with an astonishing 73 home runs, further clouded by similar concerns.
Fast forward to 2023, and Raleigh’s accomplishment signals not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for the Mariners, who recently secured their first division title since 2001. Raleigh, nicknamed “The Big Dumper,” showcased his potential with 27 home runs as a rookie, followed by 30 and 34 in the subsequent seasons. This year, he also earned an All-Star selection and won the Home Run Derby, further solidifying his place in the sport.
As Raleigh pushes toward the record, his contributions have elevated the Mariners, helping them outpace the once-dominant Houston Astros for the top spot in the AL West. Whether or not he wins the MVP award, his impact on the team is undeniable.
Recent statistics underline the rarity of such power-hitting feats in modern baseball. According to a 2023 report from the Baseball Almanac, only ten players in Major League history have reached the 60-homer mark, making Raleigh’s performance all the more impressive.
Fans recently took to social media to celebrate Raleigh’s accomplishment, sharing their excitement and hope for future records. As he continues to make history, Raleigh embodies the spirit and passion of baseball, inspiring younger players and thrilling fans across the league.
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Seattle Mariners, MLB
