### Mariners' Cal Raleigh Makes History by Breaking Johnny Bench's 55-Year-Old Home Run Record On June 21, 2025, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing Hall of Famer Johnny Bench's long-standing record for the most home runs hit by a primary catcher before the All-Star break. Raleigh's two home runs during a 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs brought his season total to 29, breaking Bench's record of 28 set in 1970. This achievement not only highlights Raleigh's exceptional performance this season but also places him in the annals of baseball history as one of the game's premier power hitters. ### Breakdown of the Historic Achievement 1. **Record-Breaking Performance** - Cal Raleigh hit his 28th and 29th home runs of the season against the Chicago Cubs, leading the Mariners to a 9-4 victory [https://www.reuters.com/sports/mlb-roundup-cal-raleighs-2-homers-power-ms-past-cubs-2025-06-21]. - This performance allowed him to surpass Johnny Bench's record for home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break, a record that had stood for 55 years [https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/cal-raleigh-breaks-johnny-benchs-record-for-homers-by-a-catcher-before-all-star-break]. 2. **Season Highlights** - Raleigh's two home runs on June 21 were part of a career-best season, where he has emerged as a leading power hitter in Major League Baseball [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mariners_cal_raleigh_makes_mlb_history_in_multi_homer_performance/s1_13132_42355850]. - He currently leads the league in home runs, with a total of 29, two ahead of Yankees star Aaron Judge [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mlb_roundup_cal_raleighs_2_homers_power_ms_past_cubs/s1_17044_42356085]. 3. **Game Statistics** - In the game against the Cubs, Raleigh went 3-for-4, scoring four runs and driving in three RBIs, showcasing his all-around offensive capabilities [https://www.fantasypros.com/mlb/news/525619/cal-raleigh-powers-mariners-to-victory-with-two-home-runs--.php]. - The Mariners' victory marked their fifth win in seven games, solidifying their competitive position in the league [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cal_raleigh_hits_two_homers_as_mariners_topple_cubs/s1_17044_42355022]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Home Run Totals**: - Cal Raleigh: 29 home runs (leading MLB) [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cal_raleigh_breaks_johnny_benchs_record_for_homers_by_a_catcher_before_all-star_break/s1_13132_42358407]. - Johnny Bench's previous record: 28 home runs (1970) [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-06-20/cal-raleigh-breaks-johnny-benchs-record-for-homers-by-a-catcher-before-all-star-break]. - **Game Performance**: - Raleigh's performance included two home runs, three RBIs, and four runs scored in a single game [https://www.fox13seattle.com/sports/raleigh-homers-twice-mariners-beat-cubs]. - The Mariners' overall performance in the game included contributions from other players, such as Mitch Garver, who also homered twice [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mlb_roundup_cal_raleighs_2_homers_power_ms_past_cubs/s1_17044_42356085]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Milestone for Cal Raleigh and the Mariners **Cal Raleigh's achievement of breaking Johnny Bench's long-standing home run record is a significant milestone in MLB history.** 1. **Record Achievement**: Raleigh's 29 home runs before the All-Star break not only set a new record but also positioned him as a leading power hitter in the league. 2. **Impact on Team Performance**: His contributions have been pivotal in the Mariners' recent successes, helping them secure crucial victories. 3. **Future Potential**: With the All-Star break still weeks away, Raleigh has the opportunity to further extend his record, potentially setting a new benchmark for future catchers [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cal_raleigh_hits_29th_homer_before_all-star_break_most_by_a_catcher_in_mlb_history-202919632.html]. This historic moment not only celebrates Raleigh's individual talent but also enhances the legacy of the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball.