Cal Raleigh shocks everyone with Home Run Derby with 54 homers by defeating Junior Caminero. First catcher and switch‑hitter champion. Family affair, Derby highlights & odds.
🧭 Derby Setup
The annual MLB Home Run Derby took place at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 14, 2025, just before the All‑Star Game. Cal Raleigh who entered as the American League’s leading slugger with 38 homers pre-break, faced off against furious power hitters like Junior Caminero, Brent Rooker, Oneil Cruz, Byron Buxton, and more in an eight-player bracket.
⚾ All Round Action & Results
Round 1
Raleigh and Rooker both hit 17 homers. Raleigh get his advancments via tiebreaker—longest homer at 470.62 ft vs Rooker’s 470.54 ft by only a difference of just 0.08 ft (~1 inch). Caminero and Cruz led with a far distance of 21 each; Buxton hit 20; others fell short .
Semifinals
Raleigh crushed Cruz 19–13. Caminero took down with a exciting competition Buxton 8–7 .
Final Round
Raleigh cornered out Caminero 18–15 to claim the Derby crown.
Total homers: Raleigh 54, Caminero 44 .
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🏆Historic Achievements
First catcher to ever win the Home Run Derby. First switch‑hitter winner of the event. First Mariner since Ken Griffey Jr. (1999) to take the crown. Set a franchise and Derby high: 54 total home runs in one night.
👨👩👦 Family & Personal Touch
His dad (Todd Raleigh Sr.), always pitched to him in his practices and brother Todd Jr. caught at age 15. We can see in a childhood video , young Cal predicted he’d win the Derby—20 years later, it fortunately came true. Nicknamed “Big Dumper,” he embraced the atmosphere and credited family support.
🎯 Standout Moments
Oneil Cruz launched a monster 513‑foot shot—the longest in Truist Park Derby history. Dramatic footage included a fan robbing a Caminero homer—but replay ruled it a fair blast. Raleigh switched hitting sides mid-round: 10 left-handed, 7 right-handed.
📊 Derby Stats & Facts
| Round | Player | HRs | Notables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Raleigh, Rooker | 17 | Tiebreaker advance |
| Semifinals | Raleigh vs Cruz | 19–13 | Dominant win |
| Final | Raleigh vs Caminero | 18–15 | Championship |
| Total | Raleigh | 54 | Most HRs in 2025 Derby |
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Longest HR in Round 1: Raleigh 470.62 ft vs Rooker’s 470.54 ft .
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Longest Derby homer: Cruz 513 ft
🔥 What This Win Means
Boosts Raleigh’s reputation as both a power hitter and catcher. Adds major storylines entering the All‑Star Game the next night . Sparks future interest in his performance, positional flexibility, and impact on Mariners’ lineup.
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