Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh clinched victory at the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, showcasing his remarkable power and support from family. On a hot July 7 night, Raleigh triumphed over Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero in the finals held at Truist Park. The win not only awarded him a trophy featuring criss-crossed silver baseball bats but also a flashy championship chain inscribed with “Derby Champ.”
Raleigh’s performance was especially poignant as he had his father, Todd Raleigh, pitch for him during the competition, while his 15-year-old brother served as one of the event’s catchers. The emotional moment resonated with both the players and the audience, emphasizing the familial bond in sports.
“I just can’t believe I won,” Raleigh expressed after the contest, highlighting the significance of the moment. His father remarked on the achievement, stating, “It’s just a great accomplishment… this is what they dream about.”
Raleigh began the final round strongly, stepping up to the plate from the left side and quickly finding his rhythm. He launched seven home runs before taking a timeout, then added eight more in the final minute, culminating in a total of 18 home runs. A final bonus round saw him hit three additional homers, putting Caminero in a challenging position, as he needed 19 to secure victory.
Caminero, buoyed by the crowd’s support, initially hit several home runs into the left field grandstands. He managed to end the timed portion with 14, but ultimately fell short, finishing with 15 home runs.
The event celebrated not just individual talent but the spirit of baseball, as Raleigh and his family signed a baseball for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Raleigh remarked on the surreal nature of the experience, emphasizing the dream-like quality of winning alongside loved ones.
Baseball’s Power on Display
The evening provided an electrifying showcase of power-hitting, as some of baseball’s biggest stars took their turns at the plate. The crowd witnessed a mix of highs and lows, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. struggling in the first round, hitting only three home runs, the lowest score among participants.
Strong support came for Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves, whose late surge brought the crowd to their feet. Despite hitting 15 home runs, he did not advance to the semifinals. Young talent was also on display, with James Wood of the Washington Nationals hitting 16 home runs, including a remarkable 486-foot shot.
The competition’s drama peaked when Raleigh and Brent Rooker of the Athletics faced off in a tiebreaker, with Raleigh advancing by a mere inch on his longest home run, as recorded by Statcast.
As the semifinals unfolded, Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins struggled to replicate his first-round magic, hitting only seven home runs after a strong initial performance. Caminero advanced to the finals, continuing his impressive display of power, while Raleigh maintained his dominance, mashing balls deep into the stands.
Ultimately, Raleigh’s victory not only added to his personal accolades but also marked him as the first catcher and the first switch hitter to win the Home Run Derby. With a prize purse of $1 million and bragging rights secured, he heads into the All-Star Game with momentum, ready to represent the American League as their fourth batter.
The 2025 Home Run Derby will be remembered not just for the performances but for the emotional connections that underscore the sport, reflecting the dreams shared by families across the world.
