Cal Raleigh Hits Historic 60 Home Runs as Mariners Clinch AL West Title

SEATTLE (AP) — Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners made history by hitting his 59th and 60th home runs of the season, securing the team’s American League West title with a 9-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night.

Raleigh’s first homer came in the opening inning against Rockies starter Tanner Gordon, launching the ball to the top deck in right field. His second homer in the eighth inning, a two-out drive off Angel Chivilli, solidified his place as one of only seven players to hit 60 home runs in a single MLB season.

“It’s crazy. Sixty is — I don’t know what to say,” Raleigh said. “I didn’t know if I was going to hit 60 in my life. Just tonight, what a way to do it.”

Raleigh’s performance, which includes a record 11 multihomer games this season, has put him on track to break the American League record of 62 home runs set by Yankees star Aaron Judge in 2022.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised Raleigh’s achievements, especially given the physical demands of the catcher position. “I honestly don’t think we’ve seen this before. It’s been incredible. I think he deserves the MVP, no question,” Wilson said.

Seattle’s Luis Castillo pitched impressively, throwing 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball, helping the Mariners secure their fourth division title after a 16-1 streak in their last 17 games. The Mariners last clinched the division title in 2001.

Raleigh’s 60 home runs are a remarkable feat, surpassing Mickey Mantle‘s previous record for switch-hitters. He has also established a new franchise record for home runs in a season, topping Ken Griffey Jr.’s 56.

<p“Doing it in front of these fans, Mom and Dad, is really cool. It’s special for this group, this organization, and the city,” Raleigh added.

The Mariners, the only MLB team that has never reached a World Series, are preparing for their upcoming playoff appearance, fueled by Raleigh’s historic achievement and momentum from their recent games.