Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history by hitting his 48th and 49th home runs in a single game, breaking the MLB single-season record for catchers and leading his team to an 11-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics. This achievement not only sets a new benchmark for catchers but also highlights Raleigh’s exceptional power-hitting season, which includes leading the majors in home runs and surpassing previous records held by legends.
Cal Raleigh, a switch-hitting catcher for the Seattle Mariners, is the central figure in this news story. At 28 years old, Raleigh has emerged as one of the most powerful hitters in baseball this season, primarily serving as the team’s catcher and cleanup hitter. His performance in this game solidified his status as a record-breaker and key player for the Mariners.
The event took place during a regular-season MLB game between the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics on August 24, 2025. The game was held at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, with a crowd of fans witnessing the historic moments firsthand. The timing is significant as it occurred late in the 2025 season, with playoff implications for both teams.
Raleigh hit both home runs in the early innings of the game. His first homer, the 48th of the season, came in the first inning, and the second, record-breaking 49th, followed in the second inning. Both were hit off Athletics left-handed starter Jacob Lopez, demonstrating Raleigh’s ability to power the ball against left-handed pitching. The Mariners went on to win the game 11-4, thanks in large part to Raleigh’s offensive outburst.
The reason behind Raleigh’s record-setting performance stems from his improved batting technique, consistency, and the Mariners’ offensive strategy that positions him as a primary run producer. How he achieved this was through precise timing and power, with both home runs being no-doubt shots that cleared the fences easily. This accomplishment breaks the previous single-season home run record for catchers, set by Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals with 48 homers in 2021.
The impact of Raleigh’s achievement is multifaceted. For the MLB, it sets a new standard for catchers, a position not traditionally associated with high home run totals, and could influence how teams value offensive production from catchers. For the Mariners, it boosts team morale and enhances their playoff chances, as every win counts in the tight American League West race. Personally, it elevates Raleigh’s profile, potentially leading to awards like MVP considerations and endorsement opportunities.
Looking ahead, Raleigh may aim to extend his record further in the remaining games of the season, possibly reaching the 50-home run milestone, which would be a rare feat for any player, let alone a catcher. The Mariners will likely rely on his bat as they push for a postseason berth, and this record could spark discussions about his place among the all-time great power hitters at the catcher position. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if he can maintain this pace and what it means for the future of catching in baseball.