PHOENIX – Cal Raleigh is no longer a name that sends MLB pitchers running for cover. In a harsh moment off the basketball court, Seattle Mariners star catcher Cal “Big Dumper” Raleigh became the center of attention at the Waste Management Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am, where he represented Seattle, his Seahawks jersey and dummy trash cans chanting a symbolic anthem of honor.
This wasn’t just a screen display. It was a new language statement for Cal Raleigh – a true sporting statement for Seattle.
Just months after the historic 2025 season – where Raleigh led all of MLB with 60 home runs, including his 57th home run in Houston on September 20, 2025 – he appeared at TPC Scottsdale, one of the world’s most famous and hottest golf courses.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open Pro-Am is considered the “Super Bowl of golf entertainment,” bringing together top stars from many sports. But Cal Raleigh’s presence was still significant. Because he wasn’t just a guest – he represented Seattle.
Raleray’s lineup created a fan frenzy:
– Mookie Betts (Dodgers, World Series champion)
– Alex Bregman (Astros, two-time World Series champion)
– Travis Kelce (Chiefs, NFL superstar)
– Michael Phelps (23 Olympic gold medals)
And in the midst of this stardom, someone caught up with the Mariners at the first cross.
“End of tee time at 9:10, please welcome from Seattle Mariners, ‘Big Dumper,’ Cal Raleigh!”
Just a question of his name. But the reaction that followed made Raleigh… his image.
Free merchandise at TPC Scottsdale erupted in chants:
“DUM-PER! DUM-PER! DUM-PER!”
A moment that even a player who had faced MLB bodyguards would admit was more intense than standing in a box of flour.
Raleray laughed and shared:
“I’m not the running type. My hands almost never sweat. But that was different. I was genuinely afraid I’d… drop the bat.”
He was at the Legend 16 pool, surrounded by a makeshift battlefield resembling a modern-day Roman warship. Cal Raleigh unexpectedly appeared in front of his Seattle Seahawks jersey, just before the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.
He addressed the issue enthusiastically on social media.
Raleray wasn’t born in Seattle. But he chose this city as his home:
“I’m an ‘immigrant’ fan. But since being drafted by the Mariners in 2018, Seattle is where I belong. The Seahawks had an incredible season. I’m proud to represent them.”
It’s not just a jersey. It’s the connection between the Mariners – the Seahawks – and the entire Seattle community.
Cal Raleigh didn’t come to Phoenix to rest easy. He arrived with the spirit of someone entering a new season with unfulfilled desires.
The Mariners just completed a major mission with Brendan Donovan. The pitcher and catcher will report for duty on February 12th, and the entire team will assemble on February 17th at the Peoria Sports Complex.
Raleray stated frankly:
“We had a good season. But it wasn’t enough. Nobody is satisfied. We believe 2026 is the year to come back and finish what we left unfinished.”
His appearance at the Phoenix Open Pro-Am marks a milestone:
Cal Raleigh is now the face of Seattle’s sports scene, not just in basketball, but across the entire American sports map.
He’s the MLB powerhouse. He’s the Mariners’ locker room leader. And now, he’s the name that’s chanted on the golf course.
From the Houston basketball court…to the 16th hole in Scottsdale. From his 60th home run…to his Seahawks jersey mid-Super Bowl week.
Cal Raleigh is entering the 2026 season not just at the highest level – but replacing an icon.
Seattle doesn’t have a “Big Dumper.” Seattle has a true craft industry.
