Raleigh Cements His Place in History, Breaks Mickey Mantle's Switch-Hitting Record

Read Time:1 Minute, 16 Second

In a moment that will forever be etched in baseball history, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh slugged his 55th and 56th home runs of the season, breaking a legendary record held by Mickey Mantle and tying a franchise record set by Ken Griffey Jr.

The historic night began in the third inning when Raleigh, batting from the left side, crushed his 55th home run of the season. The blast propelled him past the 54 home runs hit by Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle in 1961, establishing a new single-season record for a switch-hitter.

The record-breaking night wasn’t over. Just an inning later, Raleigh stepped to the plate from the right side and launched his 56th home run of the season. This two-run shot not only added to his new record but also tied Ken Griffey Jr.’s Mariners franchise record for home runs in a single season, set in both 1997 and 1998.

Raleigh’s phenomenal season has already seen him set multiple records, including the single-season home run record for a full-time catcher, previously held by Salvador Perez. The 28-year-old now leads the major leagues in home runs and is at the forefront of the American League MVP conversation.

With 11 games remaining in the season, Raleigh is now setting his sights on the next milestone: surpassing Ken Griffey Jr. to become the Mariners’ all-time single-season home run leader, and potentially even challenging Aaron Judge’s American League record of 62 home runs.