ATLANTA — A hint of a smile played on Aaron Judge’s face.
He recognizes the sensation, that moment when the game seems to slow to a crawl and each pitch appears as large as the moon. Clarity of vision sharpens. Senses heighten. The joy, the control, and the subtle anxiety that it might all cease without warning begin to surface. It’s baseball’s nature. Setbacks don’t just happen; they assert dominance. A destructive ally, if permitted.
“You simply hope it lasts,” the Yankees’ prominent hitter expressed on Monday during the All-Star media gathering. “You make an effort to remain focused on the present. Stay attentive. Don’t overthink it, because you might excel for several weeks, followed by a period of decline. By striving for consistency and avoiding extremes of elation or disappointment, you hope to navigate challenges more smoothly and perform effectively.”
For Cal Raleigh, now recognized as the Home Run Derby victor, fortune continues to favor him. The Mariners’ catcher is concluding an unprecedented first half, marked by a .259/.376/.634 batting average, a 1.011 OPS, surpassed only by Judge. His total of 38 home runs marks the second-highest ever recorded in the initial half of a season, just behind Barry Bonds. His current trajectory could eclipse Judge’s record for home runs in a single American League season. In an era where baseball icons are scarce, Raleigh has established himself as one this season.
His prowess behind the plate was never in question, with a Platinum Glove already in his possession. But this? This is extraordinary. Raleigh is not just performing exceptionally well, but he’s doing it while playing the game’s most strategically critical position. And, adding to his complexity, he’s a switch-hitter.
“You know, I’m only concerned about handling one swing,” Judge noted. “He’s tasked with managing two from opposite sides of the plate, along with the entire pitching strategy. It’s a truly remarkable accomplishment.”
The characteristic composure of a catcher is deeply ingrained in Raleigh’s demeanor. He doesn’t regard his achievements as inherently extraordinary. Rather, he’s deeply absorbed in the mechanics, as there’s little time for reflection.
“It centers on organization,” said Raleigh, who is celebrating his first All-Star selection this year. “Establishing a reliable routine is critical. Prioritizing physical and mental well-being. Catching takes precedence, followed by hitting. As a catcher, you’re always managing multiple priorities, so you develop a knack for managing everything efficiently, preventing distractions.”
Essentially, what occurs during an at-bat should not influence his play on the field, and vice versa.
Raleigh’s ascent is marked not by a revolutionary approach, but by continual growth. Even at 29, he held the prospect of considerable improvement and the capability for greater output. With Julio Rodriguez’s performance being more consistently high-performing rather than record-breaking as anticipated, Raleigh has taken center stage. He’s assumed a leading role within an organization deeply devoted to pitching, showcasing one of baseball’s top-tier pitching teams in recent seasons.
“I believe the connection between pitcher and catcher hinges significantly on confidence,” said Seattle pitcher Bryan Woo, another first-time participant at the All-Star Game. “Today’s players possess impressive abilities. It simplifies our task if we can confidently trust and follow the signals given. If it yields success, great. If not, the trust remains.”
Raleigh was surrounded by trust, noting he was joined by more relatives in Atlanta than he could easily tally. While raised in North Carolina, Georgia is known as a hub for baseball talent, positioning itself among the nation’s finest. Raleigh journeyed across a couple of state lines, heading south, to gain the necessary exposure for his rise.
Summer vacations were limited. He pursued imagined dreams, which have now become reality. Fuel for these dreams came from his parents, Todd and Stephanie Raleigh.
“I often think about [my parents] and their unwavering support,” Raleigh commented. “It feels like parents undergo experiences similar to those of their children.”
Raleigh achieved a milestone by competing in, and winning, Monday’s Home Run Derby, an experience shared with his family. Todd was given the responsibility of pitching to him. His 15-year-old brother, Todd Jr., took Cal’s position behind home plate.
This accomplishment was a reflection of their shared success. Raleigh proceeded past the opening round, narrowly outperforming Brent Rooker. While each hit 17 home runs, Raleigh’s longest reached 470.62 feet – just surpassing Rooker’s 470.54. In the next round, he encountered another prominent figure, Oneil Cruz, whose on-field performance hasn’t fully aligned with his natural talent. Raleigh efficiently dispatched him, hitting 19 home runs to Cruz’s 11. He established a strong tone during the final round with 18, and even the dynamic Junior Caminero could not catch up.
In a season filled with significant moments, this one stands above the rest.
He smiled, too, in acknowledgment.
