Why is Cal Raleigh nicknamed 'Big Dumper'?
Monday night was Cal Raleigh's shining moment.
By mashing a total of 54 home runs, the All-Star Seattle Mariners catcher won the 2025 Home Run Derby in resounding fashion. But while doing so, Raleigh's perfect (and hilarious) nickname of "Big Dumper" really came to prominence for a national audience. As Raleigh plays in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, his "Big Dumper" byname is certain to come back into the spotlight.
That's why you're here, after all. You're wondering why Raleigh has a nickname as absurd and comical as "Big Dumper." As it turns out, the explanation is simple. He has a, er ... "Big Dumper," a.k.a. his posterior region (this is a family website, remember?). Raleigh's nickname was originally coined by former Mariners teammate Jarred Kelenic, who used it to describe Raleigh's butt whenever he got into his catching stance in the minor leagues.
The "cheeky" name gained even more popularity when Raleigh finally reached the majors, and the rest is history, dear readers.
Ever since, the nickname has stuck for the now-All-Star. And what a glorious nickname it is.
Remember this history whenever you hear announcers referencing one of Raleigh's biggest (pun not intended) claims to fame again.
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Follow him on X at @RowanKavner . recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
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The most dramatic use of the ABS system arrived in the top of the ninth inning, when the game was tied 6-6 and Mets closer Edwin Diaz challenged a pitch that was called a ball against Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena. Once again, Hawk-Eye revealed Diaz's 99 mph fastball clipped the zone, and the call was overturned. Arozarena was called out and the inning was over. "As soon as I saw the strike I just started laughing and pointing at Arozarena," Diaz said. The closer admitted that the stakes will be higher if and when robot umps will be used in big-league games, and he won't be laughing and pointing then. A Perfect Tribute Goosebumps. It'll be difficult, if not impossible, to top the captivating and thoughtful tribute the Braves crafted for Hank Aaron. The at-bat from his 715th home run — the day he passed Babe Ruth on the all-time home run list — was superimposed over the entire field from a projection system in between innings of the All-Star Game, complete with audio from the April 8, 1974 broadcast blaring from the Truist Park speakers. When the pitch from Al Downing was delivered, the ball grew in size and traveled in slow motion toward home plate. When it reached the dish, the lights inside the stadium went out and a firework went off from home plate and traveled to the outfield, representing Aaron's home-run ball. Then, Aaron's footsteps were superimposed on the field, making it seem and feel like he was actually rounding the bases. The crowd of 41,702 joined the A.L. and N.L. dugouts in silence and awe as the images of Aaron being mobbed at the plate by his teammates were projected onto the field. All-Star players were on the top step of the dugout, leaning against the railing, watching history being shown in a new, unique, and special way. This was more than Aaron passing the Babe on the all-time home-run list. This was about honoring Aaron, who passed away on January 22, 2021, by recreating the magic that he gave to baseball. Deesha Thosar covers Major League Baseball as a reporter and columnist for FOX Sports. She previously covered the Mets as a beat reporter for the New York Daily News. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Deesha grew up on Long Island and now lives in Queens. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar. recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
