Cal Raleigh's HR Derby Is Barry Bonds' Record Next?

Mariners' Cal Raleigh Smashes AL Record with 38 Home Runs Before All-Star Break

The Seattle Mariners have a new hometown hero, and his name is Cal Raleigh! The slugging designated hitter has been putting on a power display for the ages, culminating in a record-breaking performance that has the baseball world buzzing. Raleigh etched his name in the American League record books on Friday night in Detroit, surpassing legends with his prodigious home run hitting.

In a dominant 12-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers, Raleigh blasted his 37th and 38th home runs of the season, leaving him just one shy of Barry Bonds' all-time major league record of 39 before the All-Star break, set back in 2001.

Key Highlights from Raleigh's Record-Breaking Night:

• In the eighth inning, Raleigh launched a solo shot off former teammate Tyler Holton, tying the AL record of 37 home runs previously held by Reggie Jackson (1969) and Chris Davis (2013).
• Not content with just tying the record, Raleigh followed up with a grand slam in the ninth inning off Brant Hurter, solidifying his place in Mariners' history.
• Raleigh's reaction to the record was one of humble gratitude: "I didn’t even know it was a record until just now," he said. "I don’t have words for it, I guess. I’m just very grateful and thankful."

The first home run of the game was special because Raleigh hit it off former teammate Tyler Holton. “(Holton) and I are really good friends and I’ve caught a lot of his pitches,” said Raleigh, who was in the lineup as the designated hitter instead of at catcher. “I don’t think that helped much, but I’m sure he’s not very happy with me.”

Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed his astonishment at Raleigh's performance: "Cal Raleigh ... this is just unbelievable," Wilson said. "He’s already set the AL record and now he’s only one short of Barry. There are two games, so who knows?"

Raleigh's power surge hasn't been a fleeting phenomenon. His consistent performance throughout the season is a testament to his hard work and dedication:

• March/April: 10 Home Runs
• May: 12 Home Runs
• June: 11 Home Runs
• July: 5 Home Runs (and counting!)

“This is a very boring comment, but baseball is all about consistency,” Wilson said. “This hasn’t been one hot streak, he’s doing this month after month. That says everything.”

With two more games remaining against the Tigers before the All-Star break, the question on everyone's mind is: Can Raleigh surpass Barry Bonds' record? The entire city of Seattle, and baseball fans around the country, will be watching with bated breath. One thing is certain: Cal Raleigh has established himself as one of the most exciting power hitters in the game today.

This remarkable achievement reminds us that in baseball, as in life, consistent effort and unwavering dedication can lead to extraordinary results. Congratulations, Cal Raleigh, on an incredible accomplishment!

Tags: Cal Raleigh, Home Runs, MLB Record, Seattle Mariners, Baseball, Reggie Jackson, Chris Davis, Grand Slam, All-Star Break, Dan Wilson

Source: https://apnews.com/article/seattle-tigers-raleigh-b9a94d24fd0a4697a0cd174075d7e507