Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh triumphed in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby held at Truist Park on March 15, 2025. In a thrilling final, he defeated Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, showcasing his impressive power-hitting skills. The victory not only secured Raleigh a coveted trophy featuring two silver baseball bats but also a distinctive championship chain adorned with the words “Derby Champ.”
The event took place on a hot and humid night, ideal for long balls. Raleigh, affectionately known as “The Big Dumper” for his notable physique, delivered a remarkable performance, building on an already impressive season in which he is on pace to break home run records. With his father, Todd Raleigh, pitching for him and his 15-year-old brother serving as one of the catchers, the evening became a memorable family affair.
“It just means the world,” Raleigh expressed after his win. “I just can’t believe I won.” His father reflected on the significance of the moment, stating, “It’s just a great accomplishment. I think that everybody, every dad who has a kid, this is what they dream about.”
In the finals, Raleigh set the pace by hitting seven home runs before taking a timeout. He added eight more in the final minute, including one that barely cleared the fence as time expired. In the subsequent bonus round, he launched three additional home runs, bringing his total to 18. Caminero needed 19 home runs to win but fell short, finishing with 15.
The event encapsulated the dreams of many baseball families, with the Raleighs sharing a special moment on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Following the competition, they signed a baseball for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Raleigh remarked, “Kind of surreal,” highlighting the significance of the win. “You don’t think you’re gonna win it… The fact that you win it with your family – super special. What a night.”
Memorable Moments and Competitive Spirit
The Home Run Derby showcased some of the biggest names in baseball, all vying for glory. One of the more notable moments came from Jazz Chisholm Jr., who disappointed fans with only three home runs in his opening round, the lowest of the night. In contrast, Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves energized the crowd with a late surge, hitting 15 home runs but ultimately failing to advance.
Young talent James Wood from the Washington Nationals demonstrated his prowess as well, hitting a massive 486-foot homer, marking the first of many balls to clear Truist Park’s right-field wall. In a tense moment, Raleigh and Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics faced a tiebreaker after both finished with 17 home runs in the opening round. Raleigh edged out Rooker by a mere inch on his longest hit, advancing to the semifinals.
As the semifinals unfolded, Byron Buxton struggled to maintain his momentum, hitting only seven home runs after a strong start. Caminero advanced to the finals by hitting 21 homers in his first round, while Raleigh continued his dominance, setting a high benchmark with 19 home runs.
The competition concluded with a spirited final between Raleigh and Caminero, highlighting the immense talent and competitive spirit present in today’s baseball landscape. With his victory, Raleigh not only claimed the $1 million winner’s purse but also secured his place as the first catcher and first switch hitter to win the Home Run Derby.
Raleigh now carries the momentum from this achievement into the upcoming All-Star Game, where he is set to bat fourth for the American League team.
