Credit: MLB
Seattle Mariners’ stalwart Cal Raleigh has broken into record books as the seventh player in Major League Basketball (MLB) to score 60 homers in a season. He pulled off the feat against the Colorado Rockies on September 24, to reach the milestone. Raleigh struck No 60 in the eighth inning, the only stroke against Angel Chivulli, which went away 389. Besides Raleigh, other players to reach the 60 mark in a season are Barry Bonds (73 in 2001); Mark McGwire (70 in 1998, 65 in 1999); Sammy Sosa (66 in 1998, 64 in 2001, 63 in 1999); Aaron Judge (62 in 2022); Roger Maris (61 in 1961) and Babe Ruth (60 in 1927).
Raleigh, 28, had already broken the single-season homer records for switch hitters and for catchers and now, he has pulled off another scintillating record. The amazing feat has also increased his American League-leading RBI total to 125 as he is a contender to Aaron Judge for Most Valuable Player honors. Judge clobbered his 50th and 51st homers earlier on Wednesday which helped the New York Yankees thrash Chicago White Sox by 8-1. Yankees’ Judge leads the majors in batting average (.325), on-base percentage (.452) and slugging percentage (.669).
Seattle Mariners solidify their position in the American League West pool
Mariners won the match by a margin of 9-2. With this victory, Seattle Mariners have strengthened their position in the American League West pool. With 89 triumphs, Mariners have continued to top the tally. Raleigh is now four home runs ahead of Phillies striker Kyle Schwarber. Cal also has earned six points more than Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.
Following the game, Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised Raleigh’s effort. "When you look at how he has done it and the position that he plays - I was telling somebody earlier today that when you come off the field, you’re mentally and physically exhausted. And for him to do what he’s done offensively and to do what he does behind the plate, I honestly don’t think we’ve seen this before. It’s been incredible. I think he deserves the MVP, no question," said Wilson.
