Latest news with #Mariners'
San Francisco Chronicle
19-07-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Cal Raleigh grateful for All-Star experience, eager for Mariners to finish 2nd half strong
SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh quipped that he was ready for things to go back to normal, while speaking with reporters for the first time since the All-Star break. But, what exactly, has Raleigh's 'normal' been in 2025? Prior to becoming the first catcher and switch hitter to win the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night, Raleigh broke the American League record for home runs before the All-Star break with 38. He's already set a career high for home runs in a season, and only needs to drive in 19 more runs over the Mariners' final 68 games to set a watermark in that category as well. Raleigh said the 2025 campaign has been normal in some ways, and in others, not so much. 'I feel like the last month has been obviously a little more,' Raleigh said. 'But, it's a good thing, not a bad thing. I don't want to make it seem like it's a burden or it's anything like that 'cause it's not. It's a great position to be in.' Raleigh's first half allowed him to create an abundance of memories over his three days in Atlanta. His father, Todd, a former coach of Tennessee and Western Carolina, threw the pitches during the Home Run Derby. Cal's 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., did the catching. 'It was an unforgettable night,' Raleigh said. 'Obviously, I (got) to have my family involved and to win the whole thing was something I didn't think I was going to do. So, all around, great night. Definitely one that I'll remember for a while.' For all the memorable moments, though, Raleigh did a whole bunch of hustling and bustling. Raleigh, who has caught the third-most innings in the majors so far this season, found himself busy with media obligations, signing events and catching up with others in the baseball world. There wasn't much downtime, but he did briefly sneak home Wednesday to Cullowhee, North Carolina to hang out with his family. He even got to watch his brother play in a travel ball tournament in East Cobb, Georgia, located just 15 minutes north of Truist Park, home of the 2025 All-Star Game. 'I don't get to see him,' Raleigh said, 'so it was a good all-around week.' But now, his focus has turned to propelling the Mariners into the postseason for the second time since making his major league debut in 2021. Entering Friday night's contest against the AL West-leading Houston Astros, the Mariners held a 1 1/2 game lead on the Tampa Bay Rays for the final wild-card spot. Seattle finished the first half by winning six of its final nine games, and as a team hit better than expected while coming up a bit short on the pitching side. From Raleigh's perspective, the Mariners have sufficient talent, but just need to be more consistent. 'We need each guy to carry their own weight, carry their end of the bargain, I guess, for the team,' Raleigh said. 'And each night, like I said, being prepared and I think if each guy's doing that, I think we're going to like where we're at at the end of the year.' It would only help the Mariners' cause, though, if Raleigh could replicate, or at least come close to repeating what he accomplished during Seattle's first 96 games. Should Raleigh continue with his offensive excellence, he could find himself adding more hardware to what he accumulated at the All-Star festivities. Which, of course, wouldn't be all that normal for as even-keeled a backstop as there is in the majors — one who preaches that his routines are what have kept him grounded amid his ascent. 'When you get to the field, it's still the same process that you've been going through,' Raleigh said. 'It's that slow, kind of process, that slow burn up to the game and making sure that you're prepared, ready to go and doing the things that you need to do and making sure that you're not letting things creep in that are not as important.' ___
Hamilton Spectator
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Cal Raleigh grateful for All-Star experience, eager for Mariners to finish 2nd half strong
SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh quipped that he was ready for things to go back to normal, while speaking with reporters for the first time since the All-Star break. But, what exactly, has Raleigh's 'normal' been in 2025? Prior to becoming the first catcher and switch hitter to win the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night, Raleigh broke the American League record for home runs before the All-Star break with 38. He's already set a career high for home runs in a season, and only needs to drive in 19 more runs over the Mariners' final 68 games to set a watermark in that category as well. Raleigh said the 2025 campaign has been normal in some ways, and in others, not so much. 'I feel like the last month has been obviously a little more,' Raleigh said. 'But, it's a good thing, not a bad thing. I don't want to make it seem like it's a burden or it's anything like that 'cause it's not. It's a great position to be in.' Raleigh's first half allowed him to create an abundance of memories over his three days in Atlanta. His father, Todd, a former coach of Tennessee and Western Carolina, threw the pitches during the Home Run Derby. Cal's 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., did the catching. 'It was an unforgettable night,' Raleigh said. 'Obviously, I (got) to have my family involved and to win the whole thing was something I didn't think I was going to do. So, all around, great night. Definitely one that I'll remember for a while.' For all the memorable moments, though, Raleigh did a whole bunch of hustling and bustling. Raleigh, who has caught the third-most innings in the majors so far this season, found himself busy with media obligations, signing events and catching up with others in the baseball world. There wasn't much downtime, but he did briefly sneak home Wednesday to Cullowhee, North Carolina to hang out with his family. He even got to watch his brother play in a travel ball tournament in East Cobb, Georgia, located just 15 minutes north of Truist Park, home of the 2025 All-Star Game. 'I don't get to see him,' Raleigh said, 'so it was a good all-around week.' But now, his focus has turned to propelling the Mariners into the postseason for the second time since making his major league debut in 2021. Entering Friday night's contest against the AL West-leading Houston Astros, the Mariners held a 1 1/2 game lead on the Tampa Bay Rays for the final wild-card spot. Seattle finished the first half by winning six of its final nine games, and as a team hit better than expected while coming up a bit short on the pitching side. From Raleigh's perspective, the Mariners have sufficient talent, but just need to be more consistent. 'We need each guy to carry their own weight, carry their end of the bargain, I guess, for the team,' Raleigh said. 'And each night, like I said, being prepared and I think if each guy's doing that, I think we're going to like where we're at at the end of the year.' It would only help the Mariners' cause, though, if Raleigh could replicate, or at least come close to repeating what he accomplished during Seattle's first 96 games. Should Raleigh continue with his offensive excellence, he could find himself adding more hardware to what he accumulated at the All-Star festivities. Which, of course, wouldn't be all that normal for as even-keeled a backstop as there is in the majors — one who preaches that his routines are what have kept him grounded amid his ascent. 'When you get to the field, it's still the same process that you've been going through,' Raleigh said. 'It's that slow, kind of process, that slow burn up to the game and making sure that you're prepared, ready to go and doing the things that you need to do and making sure that you're not letting things creep in that are not as important.' ___ AP MLB:
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes history at Home Run Derby
Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh won the 2025 Home Run Derby, becoming the first catcher to win the event. Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes history at Home Run Derby originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
What drove fans crazy about ESPN's Home Run Derby coverage: ‘Garbage'
Baseball fans on social media could unite over one thing Monday night: ESPN's coverage of MLB Home Run Derby was dizzying, confusing and tough to watch. The broadcast featured a split-screen format to show both the hitter (on the left) and where the baseballs they hit were landing (on the right), but fans took issue with the camera angles that were used. 'Split screen for home run derby is garbage,' one fan wrote on X. 'We gotta go full screen to follow the ball like a real home run. You can't see the ball launch on the split screen.' Many viewers were specifically frustrated with the camera angle used for the right side of the split-screen, which would zoom into the sky to show the distance of each dinger. 'MLB and ESPN picked an atrocious split camera view for this home run derby,' posted another fan. 'It's awful. Can't even see where these balls are going. Takes the fun out of it.' Fans were frustrated with ESPN's split-screen broadcast for Monday's MLB Home Run Derby. @ESPN/X The derby has always been one of the tougher events to broadcast – given the sheer volume of fly balls being hit in a short span, and the multiple camera angles needed to capture all the action. But fans reminisced over previous home run derby broadcasts that in their opinion captured the action better than this year's event, which the Mariners' Cal Raleigh won with 54 total bombs. The Mariners' Cal Raleigh won the MLB Home Run Derby with 54 total home runs Monday night. Brett Davis-Imagn Images A video of Josh Hamilton's legendary 28-homer first round in the 2008 derby at the old Yankee Stadium went viral, which showed the differences between that year's broadcast and this year's. In '08, as with many of the following years' broadcasts, there was no split screen, and the camera showed the hitter swinging before panning to display how far the ball traveled. That was easier to pull off then, when the derby was structured around a set number of outs without the three-minute timer that is used now since the pressure is on the pitcher to feed the slugger chances in a timely fashion. Still, fans are clamoring for some kind of adjustment for the future, with an overwhelming consensus that this year's product was not good enough. 'Was waiting all day for the Home Run Derby and ESPN gave us the absolute worst view of all time,' another fan posted. 'Ruining the event for viewers at home.'
USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
MLB Home Run Derby winners since 1985
The Home Run Derby—in any era—remains one of the most exciting events on the MLB calendar. While the format has shifted over the years, the thrill of watching professional hitters crank out the longball is a sight to behold, with folklore-like legends created in one swing of the bat — from Ken Griffey Jr. to Frank Thomas to Josh Hamilton and beyond. This year, eight sluggers will look to add their names to the storied Home Run Derby, joining these MLB players who have won since its inception in 1985. 2024 — Teoscar Hernandez Not many had the Dodgers' Teoscar Hernandez as a favorite in 2024, but the right-handed slugger pulled off a thriller at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, outdueling the Royals' Bobby Witt in the final, 14-13. 2023 — Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays Vlad Jr. put on a power display at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. He out-slugged the Mariners' Randy Arozarena in the final round with a score of 25-23, which entered the Guerrero family in baseball history as the first father-son duo (along with Vlad Sr., 2007) to win the Home Run Derby. 2022 — Juan Soto, Washington Nationals Juan Soto played the hero in the Hollywood night as the Washington Nationals slugger topped a powerful display from Mariners' right-handed up-and-comer, rookie Julio Rodriguez. 2021 — Pete Alonso, New York Mets After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Derby was back! Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani was the top seed in the eight-man bracket. But it was the New York Mets' Pete Alonso who stole the show, winning over Baltimore's Trey Mancini for back-to-back Derby crowns. 2019 — Pete Alonso, New York Mets Alonso hit 57 total home runs at Cleveland's Progressive Field, including 23 in the final round to beat fellow rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. by one home run. 2018 — Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals Harper put on one last show for his fans in Washington, beating Kyle Schwarber by one home run in the final at Nationals Park. 2017 — Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Judge beat Justin Bour, Cody Bellinger and Miguel Sano en route to a Home Run Derby title at Marlins Park. 2016 — Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins Stanton hit a Derby-record 61 homers, including 24 in the opening round against Robinson Cano at San Diego's Petco Park. 2015 — Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds Frazier had the backing of hometown fans, winning an exciting derby at Cincinnati's Great American Ballpark. 2014 — Yoenis Cesepes, Oakland Athletics Cespedes won his second straight Derby title after hitting 28 total home runs at Minnesota's Target Field. 2013 — Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland Athletics Cespedes hit 17 home runs in the first round to win the Home Run Derby title at New York's Citi Field. 2012 — Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers Fielder hit several shots into the fountains at Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium to win his second Home Run Derby title. 2011 — Robinson Cano, New York Yankees Cano hit 32 total home runs at Arizona's Chase Field to edge out Adrian Gonzalez by one home run. 2010 — David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox Ortiz hit 32 home runs to easily win the 2011 Home Run Derby at Angel Stadium. 2009 — Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers Fielder beat out Nelson Cruz by two homers to win the Derby title at St. Louis' Busch Stadium. Both of Fielder's wins came at Missouri ballparks. 2008 — Justin Morneau, New York Yankees This Derby is remembered for Josh Hamilton's amazing 28 homers in the first round at old Yankee Stadium, but Morneau saved his energy to outlast Hamilton over the final two rounds. 2007 — Vladimir Guerrero, Los Angeles Angels The future Hall of Famer only needed three homers in the final round to beat Alex Rios who hit two. This Derby took place at San Francisco's AT&T Park. 2006 — Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies Howard won the 2006 NL MVP with 58 homers and added the Derby title to his trophy case with a win at Pittsburgh's PNC Park. 2005 — Bobby Abreu, Philadelphia Phillies Abreu smashed 24 homers in the first round and beat Ivan Rodriguez in the final to win the 2005 competition at Detroit's Comerica Park. 2004 — Miguel Tejada, Baltimore Orioles Tejada beat hometown favorite Lance Berkman in the final round to win the 2004 title at Houston's Minute Maid Park. 2003 — Garret Anderson, Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols hit more total homers, but Anderson beat the Cardinals slugger 9-8 in the final round to win the 2003 Home Run Derby title at Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field. 2002 — Jason Giambi, New York Yankees Giambi topped two Chicago sluggers — Paul Konerko in the semifinals and Sammy Sosa in the final — to win the 2002 title at Milwaukee's Miller Park. 2001 – Luis Gonzalez, Arizona Diamondbacks Sammy Sosa hit only two homers in the final at Seattle's Safeco Field, which was easily surpassed by Gonzalez's six homers in that round. 2000 — Sammy Sosa, Chicago Cubs Sosa blasted 26 total home runs, more than twice of the next closest opponent (Carl Everett had 12) to win at Atlanta's Turner Field. 1999 — Ken Griffey, Jr., Seattle Mariners Griffey beat Jeromy Burnitz 3-2 in the final round as the righthanders in the group took aim at the Green Monster at Boston's Fenway Park. It was Griffey's third Derby title, which still stands as a record. 1998 — Ken Griffey, Jr., Seattle Mariners Griffey hit 19 total homers and beat Jim Thome 3-2 in the final round to win the title at Colorado's Coors Field. 1997 — Tino Martinez, New York Yankees Martinez beat Colorado's Larry Walker 3-1 in the final to win the Derby at Cleveland's Jacobs Field. 1996 — Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants Bonds hadn't yet morphed into the home run hitting monster that would create controversy in the early 2000s, but he did hit 17 total homers at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium and beat foe Mark McGwire 3-2 in the final. 1995 — Frank Thomas, Chicago White Sox The Big Hurt beat future White Sox teammate Albert Belle 3-2 in the final at The Ballpark In Arlington. 1994 — Ken Griffey, Jr., Seattle Mariners Griffey won his first Home Run Derby at Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Stadium with seven homers. 1993 — Juan Gonzalez, Texas Rangers Gonzalez and Ken Griffey Jr. both hit seven homers during the regular competition and Gonzo needed two extra rounds to beat "The Kid" at Baltimore's Camden Yards. 1992 — Mark McGwire, Oakland A's McGwire won his only Home Run Derby title, hitting 12 homers at San Diego's Jack Murphy Stadium. 1991 — Cal Ripken, Jr., Baltimore Orioles Ripken won the 1991 Home Run Derby at Toronto's SkyDome, one day before winning MVP of the All-Star Game. 1990 — Ryne Sandberg, Chicago Cubs Sandberg infamously won the 1990 Derby at Wrigley Field with only three total home runs while the rest of the eight-man field combined for only two home runs. The wind at Wrigley Field will do that. 1989 — Eric Davis, Cincinatti Reds and Ruben Sierra, Texas Rangers Both men hit three homers during the team competition at Anaheim Stadium. Davis' National League beat Sierra's American League crew, 9-5. The 1988 contest the year before at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium was canceled due to rain. 1987 — Andre Dawson, Chicago Cubs The 1987 competition was only a four-person affair. Dawson's four homers bested Ozzie Virgil (2), George Bell (1) and Mark McGwire (1) at the Oakland Coliseum. 1986 — Darryl Strawberry, New York Mets and Wally Joyner, California Angels Strawberry and Joyner each hit four home runs at the Astrodome as the NL won the team competition 8-7. 1985 — Dave Parker, Cincinnati Reds Parker hit six homers to win the individual title in the first Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game, which was held at Minnesota's Metrodome that year.
