Mariners' Cal Raleigh Shatters Mickey Mantle's Switch-Hitter Home Run Record

Cal Raleigh Breaks Mickey Mantle's Switch-Hitting Home Run Record; Mariners Surge

Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners' catcher, has etched his name in baseball history, surpassing Mickey Mantle's record for the most home runs in a season by a switch hitter. This achievement, coupled with the Mariners' impressive winning streak, has propelled them to the top of the American League West for the first time since June.

Raleigh's Record-Breaking Season

Raleigh's 55th home run, hit on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals, broke Mantle's long-standing record of 54, set in 1961 with the New York Yankees. The record-tying homer came just days earlier, on Sunday, during an 11-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park.

“You know, in today's age it's hard not to go on your phone and people are talking about it, texting you about it," Raleigh said. "I'm trying to do my best to block that out. I'm glad that we have something bigger to work towards."

Beyond the switch-hitting record, Raleigh also set a new single-season record for home runs as a catcher, with 43. He surpassed Javy López's previous mark of 42, set in 2003 with the Atlanta Braves. He is now only two home runs away from tying Ken Griffey Jr.'s Mariners' single-season record of 56.

Mariners' Playoff Push

Raleigh's historic performance coincides with a dominant stretch for the Seattle Mariners. Their win against the Angels extended their winning streak to nine games. This streak places them one game ahead of the Houston Astros in the AL West standings. The team has won 20 of its last 23 home games.

Manager and Teammates Laud Raleigh's Performance

Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised Raleigh's all-around contributions: "To do what he has done offensively, to do what he does defensively, to do what he does with our pitching staff, you just marvel at all the things that he's accomplishing. On top of that, making history, and just in a very humble way, that's the kind of guy he is. He just wants to win, and that's where it all comes from. That's the driver."

MLB Playoff Picture

With the regular season winding down, the Mariners' surge comes at a crucial time in the playoff race. Other teams clinching playoff spots include the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies. The AL West remains a contested race, with the Astros and the Texas Rangers in pursuit of the Mariners.

The Yankees have all but dashed any hope the Red Sox might have had of winning the division.