Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh etched his name into the history books on Monday night, becoming the first catcher ever to win the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby. In his debut appearance, Raleigh outslugged Tampa Bay Rays phenom Junior Caminero to claim the 2025 title at Truist Park in Atlanta.
The night was filled with fireworks, including a jaw-dropping 513-foot blast by Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates—the longest homer of the evening. Despite the feat, Cruz fell in the semifinals, leaving Raleigh, Caminero, and Minnesota’s Byron Buxton to battle it out.
Local favorite Matt Olson thrilled the crowd early but couldn’t make it past the first round, while Yankees star Jazz Chisholm Jr. managed only three homers in a surprising early exit. Brent Rooker (Athletics) and Washington’s left fielder also bowed out in round one.
But the spotlight belonged to Raleigh, whose mix of raw power and calm confidence carried him through the bracket. The milestone win not only boosts his profile league-wide, but also solidifies his place among baseball’s elite sluggers.
With his Derby crown in hand, Raleigh didn’t just win a trophy—he made history for catchers everywhere.
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