Cal Raleigh Blasts Dramatic Walk-Off Homer as Mariners Ignite Postseason Charge

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is writing the franchise’s newest postseason lore. The switch-hitting slugger crushed decisive home runs in Games 3 and 5 of the American League Division Series, powering Seattle past Detroit and into its first ALCS since 2001. Raleigh’s October surge is no fluke. During the regular season he posted a .509 slugging percentage and a career-best 35 homers, tops among MLB catchers. Yet it’s his knack for timely thunder that has T-Mobile Park buzzing: nine of those blasts either tied a game or put the Mariners ahead, including the 421-foot rocket that knotted Game 5 in the sixth inning before Seattle walked it off in the 15th. Behind the scenes, Raleigh’s preparation is as meticulous as his swing is violent. According to a recent profile, the 28-year-old spends hours dissecting pitcher tunneling data and rehearsing defensive scenarios with pitching strategist Trent Blank, giving Seattle’s staff the confidence to pound the zone late in games. Teammates say that cerebral edge, combined with his compact power stroke, makes him the clubhouse’s quiet engine. Historic company is now in reach. Raleigh already owns the club record for postseason homers by a catcher (6) and sits two shy of the all-time single-postseason mark at his position. With an ALCS showdown against Toronto looming—where he’s launched nine career bombs in just 14 games at Rogers Centre—the stage is set for more “Big Dumper” fireworks. Key SEO takeaways: • Cal Raleigh postseason home runs propel Seattle Mariners to ALCS • Mariners catcher combines power and analytics-driven preparation • Raleigh chasing MLB record for most playoff homers by a catcher • Next up: ALCS vs. Blue Jays, a ballpark where Raleigh routinely rakes If Raleigh’s bat stays as hot as October’s buzz in the Pacific Northwest, the Mariners’ 24-year pennant drought may finally meet its match.