While Major League Baseball (MLB) is focused on two superstars, Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Aaron Judge (New York Yankees), an unexpected player is leading the league's home run race. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) is showing incredible power, making his way toward a new MLB record.
On the 8th (Korean time), Raleigh started in the fourth position as catcher in a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. He had 5 at-bats, recording 2 home runs and 4 RBIs. With these two home runs, he recorded his 25th and 26th home runs, maintaining his position as the sole leader in Major League Baseball home runs. He extended his lead over the second-place Ohtani (23 home runs) and the third-place Judge (21 home runs).
Raleigh's home runs exploded from the first inning. After one out, with Jorge Polanco's single and Julio Rodríguez's single, Raleigh launched a three-run home run over the right-center wall on the second pitch, a 96.8 mph sinker thrown by Angels starter Jack Kocianowicz, creating a one-out first and second situation. This was his 25th home run.
Later, in the top of the ninth with the team trailing 5-8, he hit Angels closer Kenley Jansen. In a disadvantageous count of one ball and two strikes, he struck the fourth pitch, a 93.4 mph high sinker, sending it over the right wall once again. The ball was clocked at 105.9 mph (170.4 km/h) and traveled 427 feet (130 m) for a massive home run, completing a multi-home run game.
Raleigh has hit 26 home runs in 63 games. According to MLB.com statistics expert Sarah Langs, the player who hit the most home runs as a catcher before the All-Star break was Johnny Bench in 1970, with 28 home runs in 87 games. However, Raleigh has achieved 26 home runs in just 63 games and it's still not even July. Breaking Johnny Bench's record seems to be just a matter of time. Additionally, 'Yahoo Sports' introduced Raleigh as 'the player who hit the most home runs as a catcher before July, surpassing the legendary Johnny Bench with his 26 home runs.'
'Stats Center' also introduced Raleigh's home run pace, calling upon legendary power hitters. They highlighted players who hit the most home runs in their first 63 games, mentioning Babe Ruth (30 home runs in 1928), Ken Griffey Jr. (29 home runs in 1994), and several others who hit 27 home runs: Babe Ruth in 1930, Jimmy Foxx in 1932, Mickey Mantle in 1956, and Reggie Jackson in 1969. Raleigh is noted to follow in their footsteps. Given current circumstances, it's entirely possible for him to break the all-time single-season home run record for catchers, which is currently held by Salvador Pérez with 48 home runs in 2021. Hitting 40 home runs as a catcher has only been achieved by six players eight times: Roy Campanella in 1953, Johnny Bench in 1970 and 1972, Todd Hundley in 1996, Mike Piazza in 1997 and 1999, and Salvador Pérez in 2021.
Raleigh is on pace for 66 home runs this season. It's impressive, especially as a catcher, who traditionally bears a heavier physical burden, setting a new historical record for home runs. This year, he has played 49 games as a catcher and 13 as a designated hitter, hitting 24 of his 26 home runs as a catcher. He has recorded 2 home runs as a designated hitter.
'MLB.com' noted, 'Raleigh is on a historic trajectory. While Pérez hit 15 home runs out of his 48 in 2021, Raleigh is recording most of his home runs on days he showcases his skills as a catcher,' mentioning López's record of 42 home runs as a catcher in 2003 as the highest.
Raleigh signed a six-year, $105 million (1430 billion won) long-term contract ahead of this season. Although this is the first time he qualified for salary arbitration this year, he gained recognition for his value by signing a major contract with Seattle. Since his debut in 2021, he has showcased his offensive power with 27 home runs in 2022, 30 in 2023, and 34 in 2024. Last year, he received the Platinum Glove award for being recognized as the best defensive player among Gold Glove winners for American League catchers.
Currently, he is in a position to write a new chapter in MLB history. In a time when massive contracts are becoming common, Raleigh's contract feels like a bargain.
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