News Summary
In a historic moment, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners won the MLB Home Run Derby, defeating Junior Caminero. Raleigh’s triumph marks the first time a catcher has won this title since the event began in 1985. Known for his power hitting, he showcased his skills by hitting 18 home runs in the final. Raleigh’s family support, particularly from his brother and father, played a vital role in his success. His victory not only adds to the Mariners’ legacy but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork in individual competitions.
Seattle – Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, made history on Tuesday night by winning the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. In a thrilling final, Raleigh defeated Junior Caminero with a score of 18 home runs to 15, becoming the first catcher to ever claim this title since the event’s inception in 1985. His victory adds another accolade to the Mariners’ history, placing them alongside the New York Yankees with four Home Run Derby titles.
This season, Raleigh is leading Major League Baseball with an impressive total of 38 home runs, significantly surpassing his previous career-high of 34, which he achieved in the 2024 season. His performance throughout the derby demonstrated not only his power but also his versatility, as he began the first round hitting left-handed, totaling eight home runs, before switching to a right-handed stance to hit nine more.
Raleigh’s path to the championship was filled with drama and skill. In the semifinal round, he faced off against Oneil Cruz, who delivered an impressive performance of his own, including the longest home run of the event at 513 feet. Raleigh’s semifinal victory came down to sheer determination as he pulled through the stress of competition.
The first round saw Raleigh tie with Brent Rooker, each hitting 17 home runs. Raleigh advanced to the semifinals due to his longest home run measuring 470.62 feet, slightly longer than Rooker’s 470.54 feet. This edge was critical, showcasing Raleigh’s power hitting and strategic approach.
Throughout the 2025 season, Raleigh has established himself as a strong MVP candidate in the American League, bringing in 4.8 wins above replacement, ranking him second in the league, only behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. With a batting average of .259 and a leading on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.011 for the Mariners, his contributions have been substantial. In addition to his home runs, he has stolen a career-high 10 bases and scored 65 runs this season.
Raleigh’s family played a crucial role throughout his Home Run Derby journey. His 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., caught for him and provided consistent encouragement, while their father, Todd Raleigh, pitched to him during the event and expressed great pride in his son’s accomplishment. The support from his family helped Raleigh focus and manage his nerves during the high-pressure situation, emphasizing the importance of teamwork even in individual competitions.
A thrilling moment during the final round involved a young fan, Sam Musterer, who gained attention for robbing a home run hit by Junior Caminero, creating an exciting atmosphere to an already captivating event. Raleigh’s emotional response to winning, stating “I’m a Home Run Derby champ,” reflects the significance of this achievement for him as a lifelong baseball player and underscores the joy of the event for both players and fans alike.
Aside from the personal achievements, Raleigh’s victory reignited discussions about the balance of future MLB broadcasts, particularly regarding the Home Run Derby format. With the event’s history now intertwined with Raleigh’s record-setting performance, there is curiosity about how it may evolve in years to come.
In a season that has already proven to be remarkable, Raleigh’s win is not only a personal milestone but also a historic achievement for the Mariners, solidifying their presence in the league and inspiring future generations of players.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Live Updates
- ESPN: Cal Raleigh First Catcher to Win Home Run Derby
- MLB: Cal Raleigh Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
- Fox Sports: Live Updates from Home Run Derby
- Wikipedia: Home Run Derby
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
