July 14, 2025, Seattle — Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners hit his 38th home run just before the All-Star break, setting an American League record for the most home runs by a catcher before the mid-season mark in what is already being called a historic baseball season.
With this accomplishment, he joins a select group of players who are only one run short of Barry Bonds’ 2001 record of 39 home runs before the break. As fans and analysts describe it as the most dominant first-half performance by a catcher in decades, Cal Raleigh is not only advancing his own career but also giving the Mariners team a renewed sense of pride.
Cal Raleigh‘s 2025 Season Is One for the History Books
Expectations for power-hitting catchers have been redefined by Cal Raleigh’s stellar 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old slugger has dominated Major League Baseball with his steady long-ball hitting, power-packed swings, and clutch performances. He is well-known for his no-nonsense approach at the plate and the cool composure that goes along with it.
Raleigh had already tallied prior to the All-Star break:
82 RBIs and 38 home runs.259 Batting Average (On-base + Slugging Percentage) = 1.010 OPS
Four walk-off home runs and eighteen doubles
Given that Raleigh plays catcher, where defence and stamina frequently take precedence over offensive output, these numbers are particularly remarkable. However, Cal Raleigh has achieved a historic balance between the two.
Barry Bonds Comparison – Is History Repeating Itself?
Barry Bonds’ historic 2001 season, in which Bonds hit 39 home runs before the All-Star break and 73 home runs overall, was immediately compared to Cal Raleigh’s current campaign by baseball fans and commentators.Before the break, let’s compare the statistics:
| Player | Year | HRs | RBIs | AVG | OPS |
| Barry Bonds | 2001 | 39 | 81 | .312 | 1.369 |
| Cal Raleigh | 2025 | 38 | 82 | .259 | 1.010 |
Raleigh’s consistency, catcher role, and RBI total make this comparison even more remarkable, even though Bonds still leads in slugging efficiency. That home run pace has never been so nearly challenged by any other catcher in the modern era.
Why This Record Matters
Before the break, the majority of catchers—including greats like Mike Piazza and Johnny Bench—never hit 30 home runs. Raleigh’s 38 sets a new benchmark for MLB catchers in addition to being a personal best.
It was dubbed “the greatest first-half performance by a Mariners — possibly any catcher — in MLB history” by former Mariners All-Star Dan Wilson.
The Controversy: Detroit Walks Raleigh to Avoid Bond’s Tie
The Detroit Tigers decided to purposefully walk Cal Raleigh in the eighth inning just before the break, depriving fans of a potentially record-tying 39th home run. This was a contentious moment.
Social media erupted in annoyance as T-Mobile Park fans jeered:
Give him a chance to swing! One fan wrote on Twitter, “History should be earned, not prevented.”
Another person wrote, “Walking Cal just shows how feared he’s become.”
Fan Reactions and Social Buzz
Once a playful allusion, the moniker “Big Dumper” has evolved into a symbol of power. With banners, personalised merchandise, and even a popular hashtag, #BigDumper38, fans have embraced it.
Raleigh’s run has been highlighted in daily highlight reels on MLB Network, ESPN, and Bleacher Report.
His growing fame was further enhanced a few days ago when Team USA announced that he would be joining the 2026 World Baseball Classic roster.
With more than 5 million views, Pat McAfee’s outrageous introduction at the Home Run Derby, in which he referred to him as “the man with the fattest ass in all of professional sports,” went viral.
What’s Next for Cal Raleigh?
As the season’s second half draws near and the All-Star Game approaches, everyone is watching Raleigh to see if he can:
Break the single-season home run record of 73 set by Barry Bonds.
Take the Mariners to their first postseason appearance since 2022.
Obtain consideration for AL MVP, something no Mariners player has done since Ichiro
“What he’s doing is special,” says manager Scott Servais, who maintains his confidence. Cal is just getting started, so it’s not over yet.
Final Thoughts
Cal Raleigh’s 38 home runs prior to the All-Star break have already cemented his place in MLB history, regardless of whether he surpasses Barry Bonds’ illustrious total. Raleigh’s achievement is not only remarkable, but also unprecedented for a position as demanding as catcher.One thing is clear as Mariners supporters continue to yell “Big Dumper!” from the stands: Cal Raleigh is baseball’s new hero.