Seattle Mariners Catcher Continues to Chase Big Names in Home Run History
The Seattle Mariners lost to the Detroit Tigers once again on Wednesday night, 6-2, to fall out of first place in the American League West. The M's, who once led the division by 10.0 games over the Houston Astros, are now 0.5 games back.
Seattle is trying to win the American League West for the first time since 2001 and losses to sub-.500 teams are certainly big setbacks in that goal.
Though the M's lost, it wasn't all bad, as catcher Cal Raleigh hit another home run. It was his 24th home run of the season, which leads the team. It also moved him up an impressive list in baseball history, according to @MarinersPR:
Most home runs by a catcher thru first 4 seasons, history:
92 -- Mike Piazza
88 -- Rudy York
87 -- Johnny Bench
83 -- CAL RALEIGH
83 -- Earl Williams
Most home runs by a catcher thru first 4 seasons, @MLB history:
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) August 8, 2024
92 -- Mike Piazza
88 -- Rudy York
87 -- Johnny Bench
83 -- CAL RALEIGH
83 -- Earl Williams
Considering that Piazza and Bench are in the Hall of Fame, that's great company for Raleigh to be in. He could have had another home run to move up even further, but he was robbed by Parker Meadows in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Since debuting in 2021, Raleigh has asserted himself as one of the top power-hitting catchers in the game. The 27-year-old has those 83 career home runs and 220 RBI. He hit 30 homers a season ago and seems destined to hit as much or more this year.
His power and ability to hit in the clutch will be crucial for Seattle if they are to end up winning the division.
The Mariners will be back in action against the Tigers on Thursday night with first pitch coming at 6:40 p.m. PT. Bryan Woo will pitch.
Related Stories on Seattle Mariners
NEW PODCAST IS OUT: The latest episode of the "Refuse to Lose" podcast is out as Brady Farkas talks about the series win over the Phillies and the possibility of giving Victor Robles a contract extension. Furthermore, we break down Jerry Dipoto's comments on 'The Wheelhouse' and talk with Ty Dane Gonzalez of "Locked on Mariners" and our own Teren Kowatsch. CLICK HERE:
THE PLAN FOR JULIO: Julio Rodriguez is working his way back from a high-ankle sprain and the M's have a plan to get him back on the field sooner, but is it the right one? CLICK HERE:
GOODBYE, TY: After being traded to the Cincinnati Reds last week, Ty France delivered a heartfelt goodbye to the M's organization on social media. CLICK HERE:
Follow Inside the Mariners on social media
Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on "X" @Teren_Kowatsch and @wdevradiobrady. You can subscribe to the "Refuse to Lose" podcast by clicking HERE:
BRADY FARKAS