Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners triumphed in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, showcasing his power hitting under the bright lights of Truist Park on March 15, 2025. In a thrilling final, he defeated Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, marking a significant achievement in his career.
The night was filled with excitement as Raleigh, affectionately known as “The Big Dumper,” displayed exceptional skill, aided by his family. His father, Todd Raleigh, served as his pitcher, while his 15-year-old brother supported him as one of the catchers. This familial support made Raleigh’s victory all the more special. “It just means the world,” he expressed after the contest. “I just can’t believe I won.”
Raleigh set the pace in the finals, starting from the left side of the plate. He quickly found his rhythm, launching seven home runs before taking a timeout midway through the round. The league leader in home runs, with a total of **38** at the All-Star break, Raleigh hit eight more in the final minute, finishing with a total of **18** in the timed portion. In a subsequent bonus round, he added three more, bringing his total to **21** home runs. Caminero faced a daunting task, needing **19** home runs in his final round to clinch victory.
Caminero began strong, sending balls into the left field grandstands, but he ultimately finished with **15** home runs after a valiant attempt to catch up in the bonus round. The contest concluded with Raleigh celebrating a historic win, as he became the first catcher and the first switch hitter to ever claim the Home Run Derby title.
Family Legacy and Surreal Moments
The significance of the moment extended beyond the trophy. After the event, the Raleigh family signed a baseball destined for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Speaking of the experience, Raleigh described it as “kind of surreal.” He added, “You don’t think you’re gonna win it. You don’t think you’re going to get invited, and when you get invited, you don’t think you’re going to win it. The fact that you win it with your family – super special. What a night.”
The atmosphere in Truist Park was electric, ideal for a showcase of baseball’s power. Fans witnessed the highs and lows of the competition, including a disappointing first round for Jazz Chisholm Jr., who managed only **three** home runs. In contrast, Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson ignited the crowd with a late surge, hitting **15** home runs, though it was not enough to advance past the first round.
Emerging talents also made an impression. James Wood of the Washington Nationals hit **16** home runs in his round, including a remarkable **486-foot** shot. The competition intensified when Raleigh faced Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics in a tiebreaker after both finished with **17** home runs. Raleigh edged Rooker by a mere inch, securing his place in the semifinals.
As the semifinals unfolded, Byron Buxton struggled, hitting only **seven** home runs, despite a strong showing earlier with **20** in the first round. Caminero advanced confidently, surpassing Raleigh’s impressive totals with his own **21** home runs in the opening round.
Raleigh’s performance set an intimidating benchmark in the semifinals. He blasted **19** home runs, leaving O’Neil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates unable to catch up, despite a stunning **513-foot** shot earlier in the contest.
With his victory, Raleigh not only took home the coveted trophy but also a **$1 million** winner’s purse and significant bragging rights heading into the All-Star Game, where he is set to bat fourth for the American League.
The Home Run Derby not only highlighted the prowess of its competitors but also celebrated the spirit of baseball, where dreams and family legacies intertwine on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
