Cal Raleigh Bio
Caleb John Raleigh, born on November 26, 1996, is a talented American professional baseball catcher who currently plays for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his impressive power-hitting capabilities, Raleigh has established himself as one of the elite catchers in the league. Throughout his career, he has achieved remarkable milestones including a Gold Glove Award in 2024, and the prestigious Silver Slugger Award in 2025. His performance in the MLB Home Run Derby that year was historic, making him the first catcher to win that title. Raleigh’s contributions to the Mariners have been significant, including career-high statistics and a record-setting number of home runs, affirming his status as a rising star in the world of baseball.
Early Life and Background
Cal Raleigh was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he attended Knoxville Catholic High School. He later transferred to Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, North Carolina. During his senior season, he showcased his talent by hitting .469 with 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases. His performance earned him recognition as an All-American by Louisville Slugger, MaxPreps, and Under Armour. Raleigh also participated in the Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field and was named a conference player of the year in both baseball and basketball. After high school, Raleigh committed to play college baseball at Florida State University, where he played for the Seminoles. In his freshman year, he started all but one game, hitting .301 with a .412 on-base percentage, and was named a freshman All-American by several organizations.
Path to Baseball
Raleigh’s journey to professional baseball began with his selection by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 2018 MLB draft. Despite some struggles in his second year at Florida State, he signed with the Mariners, receiving an $854,000 signing bonus. He made his professional debut that summer with the Low-A Everett AquaSox, where he batted .288 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 38 games. Raleigh’s early career included a stint with the High-A Modesto Nuts, where he earned a California League All-Star selection. He continued to develop his skills and was promoted to the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, where he had a successful season, slashing .251/.323/.497 with 29 home runs and 82 RBIs over 121 games.
Cal Raleigh Career
Early Career (2021-2022)
Cal Raleigh made his MLB debut on July 11, 2021, starting at catcher against the Los Angeles Angels. Although he had a challenging start, finishing the 2021 season with a .180 batting average, he showed promise with his power-hitting potential. In 2022, Raleigh faced early struggles but eventually found his rhythm, hitting 27 home runs and leading MLB catchers in home runs that season. His significant contributions helped the Mariners reach the postseason for the first time since 2001, marking a historic moment for the franchise.
Breakthrough (2023-2025)
Raleigh’s breakthrough came in the 2023 season when he hit 30 home runs and achieved a .232 batting average with 75 RBIs. His performance earned him recognition as a Silver Slugger finalist. In 2024, he continued to excel, winning both the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards, becoming the first Mariner to receive the latter honor. Raleigh’s 2025 season was particularly remarkable; he became the first catcher to win the MLB Home Run Derby and broke several records, including the most home runs in a season by a catcher. He finished the season with 60 home runs and led the American League in RBIs, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cal Raleigh’s signature work includes his record-setting performance in the 2025 season, where he not only led the majors in home runs but also earned the Silver Slugger Award and was named to the All-MLB First Team. His achievements have made him a prominent figure in baseball, and he continues to be a key player for the Seattle Mariners.
Cal Raleigh Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Cal Raleigh has received several nominations for prestigious awards, reflecting his outstanding performance on the field.
Cal Raleigh Awards Won
Cal Raleigh has won multiple awards, including the Gold Glove Award and the Platinum Glove Award in 2024, as well as the Silver Slugger Award in 2025. His accolades highlight his exceptional skills as both a defensive catcher and a power hitter.
Cal Raleigh Family
Cal Raleigh comes from a family with a strong baseball background. His father, Todd Raleigh, coached college baseball and played as a catcher during his college years. Raleigh has a younger brother, Todd Jr., who is also a switch-hitting catcher.
Personal Life
Cal Raleigh’s nickname, “Big Dumper,” was popularized by a former teammate and has become a beloved moniker among fans. He has expressed his appreciation for the support he receives from fans and his family, who have played a significant role in his baseball journey.