Editor’s note: Keep up with our latest updates on Cal Raleigh’s home run count.
There are now seven players in MLB history to hit 60 home runs in a single season after Cal Raleigh, the former Florida State baseball star, joined their ranks in leading the Seattle Mariners to their first division title since 2001.
“The Big Dumper” has already broken several records during his MVP campaign, standing alone on the list of catchers, switch hitters and his own ballclub. Barring an incredible last-minute run by Kyle Schwarber or Shohei Ohtani, Raleigh is going to lead all of baseball in dingers. A catcher has only won the home run title three times before: Johnny Bench in 1970 and 1972, and Salvador Perez in 2021.
The Home Run Derby champ now has four games to hit two more taters and tie Aaron Judge for the single-season AL record. Doing so might be enough to make him the second FSU alum to win MVP honors, joining Buster Posey in 2012.
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We’re monitoring the former Seminole’s home run pace over the rest of the season. Here’s everything you need to know about Raleigh’s home run total and where he stands on his pursuit of history, as well as a look at the upcoming Mariners schedule, including how to watch:
How many home runs does Cal Raleigh have?
Entering play Sept. 25, Cal Raleigh has 60 home runs over 155 games, leading the majors. He homered in the first inning Sept. 24 off Colorado Rockies pitcher Tanner Gordon for his 59th of the year.
Then in the eighth inning, he launched his second bomb of the game and 60th of the season off Angel Chivilli.
What is MLB home run record?
Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants set the record in 2001 with 73 home runs. Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees holds the American League record with 62 homers in 2022.
Why is Cal Raleigh called the Big Dumper?
It’s simple: He’s got a big butt. The nickname came from Jarred Kelenic when the two were Mariners prospects practicing with the big-league club during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. As Raleigh explained with Mookie Betts in an episode of “On Base,” Kelenic responded to the catcher’s call-up to the majors in 2021 with “Big dumper to the show,” and fellow players and fans thought it was hilarious.
Raleigh has taken it all in good humor, appearing in comedic Mariners Commercials for “Big Dumper Trucking” and with the team marketing his platinum glove bobblehead from the reverse angle. His mom is less pleased with it, though.
AL home run record
Here are the best home run seasons in American League history:
MLB home run record
Here are the best home run seasons in MLB history:
Seattle Mariners schedule
Here’s a look at the upcoming games for Cal Raleigh and the Mariners. All times Eastern:
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Cal Raleigh has 60 home runs! Will former Florida State baseball star break AL record?
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
