most hrs: Cal Raleigh’s 34 HRs Tie Mickey Mantle’s Record

In a season defined by power and poise, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has etched his name into the baseball history books. With a towering blast in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros, Raleigh launched his 34th home run of the season, a figure that now ties him with New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle for the most hrs in a single season by a switch-hitting catcher.

The achievement is a monumental one, connecting a modern-day Mariners icon with one of baseball’s most revered figures. Raleigh, affectionately known as the “Big Dumper,” has been the offensive engine for Seattle all year, and this record serves as a crowning jewel on an already spectacular campaign. It’s a testament to his unique blend of power from both sides of the plate and the durability required to handle the rigors of the catcher position.

The Historic Blast: How It Happened

The scene was set at T-Mobile Park, with the Mariners locked in a tight battle against their division rivals. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning and the crowd on its feet, Raleigh stepped into the left-handed batter’s box to face Astros reliever Bryan Abreu. Abreu, known for his high-velocity fastball, challenged Raleigh with a 98-mph heater on a 2-1 count.

Raleigh was ready. He turned on the pitch with the violent, yet controlled, swing that has become his signature. The crack of the bat was unmistakable. The ball soared deep into the Seattle night, landing several rows back in the right-field bleachers, a no-doubter from the moment it left the bat. As Raleigh rounded the bases, he pumped a fist in the air, acknowledging the thunderous applause from the hometown faithful who knew they had just witnessed a piece of history.

The home run not only gave the Mariners a crucial insurance run but also solidified Raleigh’s place in the record books. It was his 20th home run batting left-handed this season, complementing the 14 he has hit from the right side.

A Look at the Record for Most HRs

Tying any record held by Mickey Mantle is a remarkable feat. While “The Commerce Comet” is celebrated as a Hall of Fame center fielder, his early career saw him spend time behind the plate. During the 1955 season, Mantle played a handful of games at catcher for the Yankees. It was during that year that he established the benchmark of 34 home runs for a player who appeared at the catcher position and could switch-hit, a record that has stood for 70 years.

For decades, the record seemed untouchable, a quirky footnote in Mantle’s legendary career. Many power-hitting catchers have come and gone, but the unique combination of being a switch-hitter with 30+ home run power while enduring the physical demands of catching is incredibly rare. Players like Jorge Posada and Victor Martinez were elite switch-hitting backstops, but neither reached the 34-homer mark in a single season.

Raleigh’s accomplishment highlights his exceptional talent. He is not just a power hitter; he is a power-hitting switch-hitting catcher, a profile that makes him one of the most valuable offensive players at his position in the entire league.

“Big Dumper’s” Breakout Season

This record is the centerpiece of what has been a career year for Cal Raleigh. After his memorable, playoff-clinching walk-off home run in 2022, expectations were high, and he has exceeded them in every way. Beyond the home runs, Raleigh has been a leader in the clubhouse and a stalwart behind the plate, guiding a young and talented Mariners pitching staff.

His offensive stats for 2025 are staggering for a catcher:

• Home Runs: 34
• RBIs: 95
• Slugging Percentage: .520
• OPS: .845

These numbers don’t just lead all MLB catchers; they place him among the elite power hitters in the entire American League. His ability to hit for power from both sides of the plate makes him a nightmare for opposing managers to game plan against, especially in late-inning situations. Manager Scott Servais praised his catcher after the game, stating, “What Cal does for this team, both offensively and defensively, is irreplaceable. He’s the heart and soul of this club.”

What This Means for the Mariners

Raleigh’s historic season is about more than just individual accolades; it has been a driving force behind the Mariners’ push for the postseason. His 34 home runs and 95 RBIs have often come in critical moments, providing the offensive punch for a team built on pitching and defense. As the Mariners head into the final stretch of the season, Raleigh’s bat will be more important than ever.

This achievement cements Raleigh’s legacy as one of the great catchers in Mariners history, placing him in the conversation with names like Dan Wilson and Dave Valle. At just 28 years old, he is entering his prime, and this record-tying season could be the first of many spectacular years to come.

With just over two weeks left in the regular season, Raleigh now has a chance to stand alone. His next home run won’t just break the tie with Mantle; it will set a new standard for switch-hitting catchers for generations to come. Every at-bat will now be appointment television as fans across baseball watch to see if the “Big Dumper” can claim the record for the most hrs all to himself.

The journey from a promising prospect to a record-tying slugger has been remarkable. Cal Raleigh has proven he is not just a fan favorite but one of the premier power hitters in the game today, and he now shares a piece of baseball history with a true giant of the sport.