Cal Raleigh hit his MLB-leading 59th home run on October 4, 2023, during a game against the Colorado Rockies at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The powerful left-handed batter launched a solo shot off Rockies pitcher Tanner Gordon in the first inning, sending the ball soaring to the upper deck. This remarkable feat not only solidifies his position at the top of the league but also sets the stage for a potential record-breaking finish to the season.
As the regular season dwindles down with just four games remaining, Raleigh stands on the brink of surpassing Aaron Judge‘s American League single-season home run record of 62, set in 2022. Judge broke the long-standing record previously held by Roger Maris since 1961. With his latest home run, Raleigh now has the opportunity to make history as he chases this coveted milestone.
Franchise and League Records Fall
Raleigh’s latest homer came only four days after he surpassed Ken Griffey Jr. for the Seattle Mariners’ single-season home run record. Griffey had previously set the franchise mark with 56 home runs in both 1997 and 1998. Additionally, Raleigh’s total has exceeded Mickey Mantle‘s record of 54 home runs by a switch-hitter, a record that had also stood since 1961.
Moreover, Raleigh has set a new benchmark for home runs hit by a catcher in a single season, surpassing the previous record of 48 home runs by Salvador Perez established in 2021. This impressive achievement highlights Raleigh’s significant contributions to the Mariners’ offense throughout the season.
As the season approaches its conclusion, Raleigh finds himself three home runs ahead of Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies and six home runs ahead of Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. His performance has not only captivated Mariners fans but also drawn attention from baseball enthusiasts nationwide, as he continues to rewrite the record books.
In a season filled with excitement, Cal Raleigh’s journey toward history is one that many will be watching closely as the final games unfold. Will he reach the magical number 60 and potentially set a new standard for home runs in the American League? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Raleigh’s remarkable season has already etched his name in baseball lore.
