ATLANTA — The Big Dumper did it.
After an impressive first half of the season, Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh was crowned the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby champion at Truist Park, becoming the first catcher in history to win the coveted title.
Raleigh, who hit 38 home runs before the All-Star break—second-most in MLB history—defeated Tampa Bay Rays’ Junior Caminero in a dramatic final. This victory marks a significant achievement for Raleigh and the Mariners, as he joins Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. as the second Mariner to win the prestigious event.
A Family Affair
Raleigh’s victory was made even more special by the involvement of his family. With his father, Todd Raleigh, pitching and his younger brother, Todd “T” Raleigh, catching, the home run derby turned into a memorable family affair.
After the win, Cal expressed his joy, saying, “You don’t think you’re gonna win it. You don’t think you’re even going to be invited. Then you get invited and the fact that you win it with your family is super special. What a night.”
However, Raleigh’s night nearly ended prematurely. In the first round, he found himself in a tiebreaker with Brent Rooker, each hitting 17 home runs. Raleigh’s longest shot came in at 470.61 feet, just barely edging out Rooker’s 470.53 feet.
Raleigh jokingly commented, “My goodness gracious, it’s close. It’s just crazy. An inch off, and I’m not even in the final four. Just amazing. I guess I got lucky there. One extra biscuit.”
Semifinals and Final Drama
In the semifinals, Raleigh came alive with 19 home runs, easily defeating Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz, who had put on a show earlier in the first round with a massive 513-foot blast, the longest of the night. Raleigh’s stellar performance continued in the final against Junior Caminero.
Raleigh set a high bar with 18 home runs, forcing Caminero to hit four in the bonus period to tie. Caminero managed only one, giving Raleigh the win.
Caminero, who had dominated the earlier rounds, faced a tough challenge in the final, finishing with just 14 home runs in regulation. Despite a valiant effort in the bonus period, it wasn’t enough to match Raleigh’s powerful showing.
Raleigh’s Journey to Victory
Raleigh’s victory didn’t come easy. The Mariners catcher had to survive a tense first round, where he just barely advanced past Rooker, and then slugged his way into the final with the help of his family.
His dad, Todd Raleigh, a former coach at Western Carolina and Tennessee, reflected on the moment saying, “When it involved the family, the complexion changed. And we thought, if he doesn’t hit any home runs, we’re still gonna be good.”
As for how Raleigh became a switch-hitter, his dad shared the story: “Did it from the first day, when he was in diapers, literally. I’d take that big ball, and he had a big red bat. I’d throw it slow, and he’d hit it. Then I’d say, stay there, pick him up, turn him around, switch his hands, and do it again.”
The Rest of the Field
Other participants in the derby included notable sluggers like Byron Buxton, who hit 20 home runs in the first round but fell to Caminero in the semifinals. Washington Nationals’ James Wood (16 HR), hometown hero Matt Olson (15), and New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm (3) were all eliminated in the early rounds.
Home Run Derby Highlights:
Cal Raleigh defeated Junior Caminero in the final with 18 home runs to Caminero’s 14.
Oneil Cruz put on a show in the first round with a 513-foot blast, the longest of the night.
Junior Caminero hit 21 home runs in the first round, leading the charge but faltered in the final.
Byron Buxton hit 20 home runs but couldn’t advance past Caminero in the semifinals.
A Record-Breaking Event
This year’s Home Run Derby was packed with excitement, and Raleigh’s victory was just the icing on the cake of a thrilling night. His family connection added an extra layer of emotion to the event, making it an unforgettable moment for Mariners fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.
What’s Next for Cal Raleigh?
As the 2025 season progresses, Cal Raleigh’s Home Run Derby title further cements his place as one of the top sluggers in the game. With his powerful bat and remarkable family support, the sky is the limit for the “Big Dumper” as he heads back to Seattle to continue his stellar campaign.
