Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh clinched victory in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, showcasing his exceptional power as he defeated Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in the finals. The event, held on a hot and humid night at Truist Park, provided the perfect backdrop for a thrilling display of home runs. Raleigh’s win is marked not only by the coveted trophy but also by a flashy championship chain that reads “Derby Champ.”
Raleigh’s journey to victory was particularly meaningful, as he was supported by his father, Todd Raleigh, who pitched for him, while his 15-year-old brother participated as one of the catchers. Expressing his elation after the contest, Raleigh stated, “It just means the world… I just can’t believe I won.” His father shared in the excitement, saying, “It’s just a great accomplishment, I think that everybody, every dad who has a kid, this is what they dream about.”
In the finals, Raleigh quickly established his dominance. Starting from the left side of the plate, he hit seven home runs before taking a timeout, eventually hitting eight more in the last minute, including a dramatic shot that barely cleared the fence as time expired. Following a bonus round, he added three more home runs, setting the bar high for Caminero, who needed 19 to win.
Caminero put forth a strong effort, beginning with a series of powerful shots into the left field grandstands. Despite a minor setback when a child fielding balls on the field caught one of his potential home runs, Caminero finished the timed portion with 14 home runs, ultimately concluding with a total of 15 in the bonus round.
This moment epitomizes the dreams of countless baseball families: a father and his sons experiencing a remarkable achievement together on a grand stage. After the event, the Raleigh family signed a baseball for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Raleigh remarked on the surreal experience, saying, “You don’t think you’re gonna win it… The fact that you win it with your family – super special. What a night.” With this victory, he became the first catcher and the first switch hitter to win the Home Run Derby.
Power Display at the Derby
The T-Mobile Home Run Derby attracted significant attention as some of baseball’s biggest stars showcased their hitting prowess. Despite being a crowd favorite, Jazz Chisholm Jr. faced disappointment in the opening round, managing only three home runs, the lowest of the night. The audience showed enthusiasm for Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves, who rallied late to hit 15 home runs but did not advance to the semifinals.
Young talent James Wood of the Washington Nationals impressed with a powerful 486-foot homer but was eliminated after hitting 16 home runs. The first round featured a dramatic tiebreaker between Raleigh and Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics, both finishing with 17 home runs. Raleigh secured his advancement by a narrow measurement of less than an inch.
As the semifinals commenced, Byron Buxton struggled to maintain his momentum, hitting only seven home runs after a strong first-round performance of 20. Caminero advanced with ease, continuing to display his smooth swing and hitting 21 home runs in the first round. Raleigh, in his semifinal, set a formidable standard by hitting 19 homers, leaving O’Neil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates with the daunting task of catching up. Cruz, despite hitting the day’s longest shot at 513 feet, fell short with 13 home runs.
Raleigh’s victory not only highlights his remarkable skill but also sets the stage for an exciting All-Star Game, where he will bat fourth for the American League team. The win carries a prize of $1 million, alongside the honor of being crowned the Home Run Derby champion.