Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh felt the spotlight of All-Star voting in a way he never expected. He admitted the process made him laugh and squirm at the same time, feeling blessed and excited, but also felt relieved that it finally ended.
“Obviously, I’m very blessed and very excited,” Raleigh said. “I’m just glad (voting) is over. Seeing your face everywhere was kind of uncomfortable.”
Fans showed up for the 28-year-old catcher in huge numbers. Raleigh led all American League catchers in Phase 1 voting. Only Aaron Judge collected more votes overall. That first phase secured Raleigh a spot as one of two finalists, along with Alejandro Kirk from Toronto.
In Phase 2, fans voted from June 30 through July 2 to pick the starter. Raleigh kept the momentum going and grabbed the top spot. When MLB announced the final results, he earned the honor of starting catcher for the American League.
Raleigh now stands as the first Mariners catcher to win a fan vote to start the All-Star Game. He joins Dan Wilson as the only catchers in franchise history to start behind the plate in the midsummer showcase. He also becomes the first Mariners position player to earn a starting spot since Nelson Cruz in 2015.
Raleigh did not stumble into this moment; he built a season worthy of every ballot cast. He leads all catchers with 33 home runs. He is second in RBIs with 71, while hitting .272 and slugging over .641. He reached 30 home runs faster than any catcher or switch-hitter in MLB history.
On defense, he remains just as valuable. He earned Gold and Platinum Gloves for his work behind the plate last season. His steady glove and strong arm guide the pitching staff and keep runners honest.
Even with the attention, Raleigh stayed humble. He prefers to keep his focus on baseball and on helping the Mariners chase a playoff spot. The Big Dumper’s All-Star selection marks his first time in the Midsummer Classic. He will also compete in the Home Run Derby the night before the game.
He has already started thinking about the memories he will collect that weekend. “I’m really excited to, I like picking people’s brains,” Raleigh said. “I mean, I know it’s a quick turnaround there, because everybody is in and out, and there’s a lot of stuff going on. But I’d love to pick guys’ brains.”
Seattle fans will watch proudly when Raleigh steps onto the field in Atlanta on July 15. They have seen him grow into a leader and a force in the middle of the lineup.
This All-Star nod shows everyone how far he has come. Cal Raleigh no longer just goes by Big Dumper; he now carries the title of All-Star starter, and he earned it every step of the way.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is having a season to remember, but it’s not just his impressive play that’s catching attention — it’s also the unexpected awkwardness he felt during the All-Star voting process. While many athletes dream of being recognized by fans and voted into the All-Star Game, Raleigh admitted that the experience was more than a little surreal. Despite being honored and grateful, he found the process of seeing his face everywhere both funny and a bit embarrassing.
“Obviously, I’m very blessed and very excited,” Raleigh shared. “I’m just glad (voting) is over. Seeing your face everywhere was kind of uncomfortable.”
The 28-year-old backstop found himself at the center of attention as fans rallied behind him in overwhelming numbers. In the first phase of All-Star voting, Raleigh emerged as the top vote-getter among all American League catchers. In fact, the only player in either league to receive more fan votes than Raleigh was New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Thanks to that strong support, Raleigh advanced to the final round of voting, competing against Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk for the starting spot.
During Phase 2 of voting, which took place from June 30 through July 2, fans kept the momentum going. Raleigh once again topped the polls, officially earning the role of starting catcher for the American League in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. With the announcement of the final results, Raleigh cemented his place in history — becoming the first Mariners catcher ever to win the fan vote and start the All-Star Game.
He joins franchise legend Dan Wilson as only the second catcher in Mariners history to start behind the plate in the midsummer exhibition. Notably, Raleigh is also the first Seattle position player to be selected as a starter since Nelson Cruz in 2015.
What makes Raleigh’s selection even more meaningful is that it’s a direct result of his stellar performance this season. His stats speak volumes about his value on the field. Raleigh currently leads all major league catchers with 33 home runs and ranks second in runs batted in (RBIs) with 71. He’s batting .272 and boasting an eye-popping slugging percentage of over .641. These numbers aren’t just impressive — they’re historic. Raleigh reached the 30-home-run mark faster than any catcher or switch-hitter in Major League Baseball history.
Beyond his offensive firepower, Raleigh is just as impactful on defense. He was awarded both Gold and Platinum Gloves last season, a testament to his elite ability behind the plate. His game-calling, leadership, and cannon of an arm make him invaluable to the Mariners’ pitching staff. He’s not only a power hitter — he’s a stabilizing force on defense and a key figure in Seattle’s playoff ambitions.
Despite the accolades and attention, Raleigh remains grounded. Known affectionately by fans as “Big Dumper,” Raleigh has always prioritized team goals over personal glory. Even as he gears up for his first-ever All-Star appearance, his focus remains firmly on helping the Mariners reach the postseason. That humble mindset hasn’t changed, even with the added honor of participating in the Home Run Derby the night before the All-Star Game.
As he prepares for the All-Star festivities in Atlanta on July 15, Raleigh is eager to soak in the experience — not just for the lights and cameras, but for the opportunity to learn from other top-tier talent across the league.
“I’m really excited to,” Raleigh said, reflecting on the chance to interact with fellow All-Stars. “I like picking people’s brains. I know it’s a quick turnaround, and everybody’s kind of in and out, and there’s a lot going on. But I’d love to talk to guys and see what I can learn.”
For Mariners fans, Raleigh’s selection is a moment of pride. They’ve watched him mature into one of the league’s premier catchers, both at the plate and behind it. His All-Star nod feels like the culmination of years of steady improvement, hard work, and resilience. More than just a fun nickname, “Big Dumper” now carries the weight and recognition of being a legitimate All-Star starter.
This moment reflects how far he has come — from a promising draft pick to one of the most feared switch-hitters in the league. Cal Raleigh’s rise isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a reminder of what dedication, humility, and consistent excellence can achieve. When he steps onto the field in Atlanta, he won’t just be representing the Mariners — he’ll be showcasing the heart and hustle that got him there.
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