Cal Raleigh equals Mickey Mantle in switch-hit home runs

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history by hitting his 54th home run against the Los Angeles Angels, tying Mickey Mantle's 1961 record for the most home runs by a switch hitter in a single season.

Raleigh has surpassed Salvador Perez's previous mark of 48 home runs for the most single-season home runs by a primary catcher. While he was close to matching Aaron Judge's record for most homers in a season by an American League player, he fell short by four home runs. Raleigh has hit 34 home runs from the left side and 20 from the right side this season.

Raleigh, known for his hard work and dedication, plays the demanding position of catcher, arriving at the ballpark early to prepare for games. As a switch hitter, he has mastered two different swings and uses different bats based on his batting side.

Despite a recent slump, Raleigh has powered the Mariners' lineup, contributing to their push for a playoff spot. The number of switch hitters in the major leagues has decreased over the years, with only 80 listed in the current season.

Raleigh, who won this year's Home Run Derby, credits his father for teaching him to switch hit by practicing with an oversized ball and bat. At 28 years old, Raleigh has hit 147 career home runs and ranks 56th all-time among switch hitters, with Mantle holding the top spot at 536 home runs.