Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh secured victory in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, showcasing his impressive power by defeating Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in a thrilling final. The event took place under ideal conditions at Truist Park, and Raleigh’s win marked a significant achievement in his already stellar season.
Raleigh’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He began the final round with a series of powerful swings, launching a total of 15 home runs. His father, Todd Raleigh, served as his pitcher, while his 15-year-old brother supported him as one of the catchers. The emotional significance of the moment was palpable, with Raleigh expressing his disbelief at winning. “It just means the world,” he said, reflecting on the experience with his family.
As the competition unfolded, Raleigh dominated the final round, hitting seven home runs before taking a timeout. He added eight more in the last minute, including a dramatic shot that cleared the fence just as time expired. In the subsequent bonus round, he managed three additional home runs, setting an impressive target for Caminero, who needed 19 homers to clinch the title.
Caminero started strong, sending balls into the left field grandstands and finishing the timed portion with 14 home runs. He fell short in the bonus round, ending with a total of 15 homers. Raleigh’s victory not only earned him the coveted trophy and a flashy championship chain but also established him as the first catcher and first switch hitter to win the Home Run Derby.
Family and Legacy on Display
The event was a celebration of family, with the Raleighs sharing a dream-come-true moment. After the competition, they signed a baseball for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Raleigh described the experience as “kind of surreal,” emphasizing the special nature of winning alongside his family.
The Home Run Derby was filled with dramatic moments and unexpected outcomes. One of the crowd’s highlights was the disappointing performance of Jazz Chisholm Jr., who hit only three home runs in the opening round, the lowest total of the night. In contrast, Matt Olson, representing the hometown Atlanta Braves, thrilled the audience with 15 homers, though it was not enough to advance.
Young star James Wood of the Washington Nationals began the event with a strong showing, hitting 16 home runs but ultimately failing to reach the semifinals. The opening round saw Raleigh tied with Brent Rooker of the Athletics, requiring a tiebreaker to determine who would advance. Raleigh emerged victorious by a narrow margin, showcasing the intense competition of the event.
The Path to Victory
As the semifinals progressed, Byron Buxton struggled to match his earlier performance, finishing with only seven homers, while Caminero advanced with a consistent display of power. Raleigh, on the other hand, lit up the stadium with 19 home runs, setting a high bar for O’Neil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who ultimately fell short with 13 homers.
Raleigh’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as he heads into the All-Star Game, where he will bat fourth for the American League team. The prize money of $1 million adds to the significance of his victory, further solidifying his status as one of baseball’s emerging stars.
With his remarkable performance in the Home Run Derby, Cal Raleigh not only captured the hearts of fans but also laid down a marker for the rest of the season. As the baseball world watches, his journey is one that promises to inspire future generations.
