Cal Raleigh chases Roger Maris’ legendary home run record as Mariners catcher nears AL history with 60 blasts
For decades, Roger Maris’ single-season home run record stood as one of baseball’s most revered milestones. Initially set by Babe Ruth, who achieved 60 homers in a season, this benchmark became emblematic of power hitting in the American League. For years, it seemed insurmountable. Legends like Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams fell short, while Mickey Mantle had his own attempts but ultimately didn’t reach that magical number.
Then came Maris, a quieter figure in the storied New York Yankees outfield of 1961, who not only matched Ruth’s mark but surpassed it, finishing that season with 61 home runs. Maris’ achievement was a seismic shift in the game, cementing the number as sacred once more, especially as National League sluggers during the Steroid Era eclipsed it without earning the same respect. The American League, however, remained untouched by such controversy until Aaron Judge broke the long-standing record just a few seasons ago, driving the total to 62.
Now, that record is once again under threat. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has stepped into the spotlight, launching two home runs in a recent game to bring his season total to an impressive 60. In doing so, he has not only claimed the record for most home runs by a catcher but has also made history as the leading switch-hitter and the top home run hitter for the Mariners franchise.
Despite a period where it appeared Raleigh’s momentum might have slowed, he has rebounded spectacularly. With only four games remaining in the season, he is poised to make a historic impact. Raleigh needs just two more home runs to tie Maris and three to set a new record for the American League.
At this point, betting against the “Big Dumper” seems unwise. If he can launch those final homers, he will complete a remarkable checklist of accomplishments that would etch his name further into the annals of baseball history. The excitement surrounding his pursuit adds a thrilling layer to the closing stretch of the season as fans and analysts alike await the next chapter in this historic chase.
