SEATTLE — Ahead of the upcoming MLB 2026 season, Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh — who just had a phenomenal season with historic milestones — received an emotional message of encouragement from his parents, a message that touched the hearts of the Mariners fan community and ready to cheer on their hero.
Raleigh, 28, is the Mariners’ offensive spearhead and spiritual leader, having led the league in home runs last year with 60 – a feat only six players in MLB history have achieved – and playing a major role in Seattle’s first AL West championship since 2001. His remarkable development has left his parents restless ahead of a challenging new season.

In a short video shared on social media yesterday, Raleigh’s parents—who have always been present at important games and witnessed their son break the catcher record with 49 home runs, surpassing Royals legend Salvador Perez—sent Cal a message that left fans speechless:
“You’ve done so many extraordinary things and last season was historic. But what makes us most proud isn’t just that you topped the home run charts—it’s the way you play, the way you love the team and the Mariners fans. Never doubt yourself. Believe in yourself as we’ve always believed in you.”
The parents’ voice wasn’t just a simple rallying cry, but an affirmation from those who have followed Caleb “Cal” Raleigh’s journey from his early days learning to play baseball with his family to becoming one of the rare players in MLB history to achieve 60 home runs in a single season.
Cal Raleigh grew up in a baseball-loving family; His father was a college catcher and coached Raleigh from a young age. That support became a solid foundation that helped Cal rise to the professional level.
In the 2025 season, Raleigh not only overcame personal hurdles but also achieved spectacular breakthroughs — from reaching 50 home runs, joining the ranks of legendary switch-hitter players like Mickey Mantle, to 60 home runs leading the Mariners to victory in the AL West. These records are not just statistics; they are proof of Raleigh’s relentless effort and leadership.

And at the very moment he reached these milestones, fans saw his parents in the stands — those who had witnessed it all along. Their latest message before the 2026 season is not just encouragement; it’s an acknowledgment of a long history of them being by his side, sharing both his failures and successes.
Beyond individual achievements, experts believe one of Raleigh and the Mariners’ biggest goals for the 2026 season is to fight for their first-ever World Series championship. With a six-year, $105 million contract signed last season, the Mariners clearly have long-term faith in their catcher.
In that context, the encouragement from his parents carries a deeper meaning. It not only reminds Cal of what he has already accomplished, but also of his responsibility to himself, the team, and the fans, as a new season full of promise and pressure lies ahead.
The message from Raleigh’s parents didn’t just impact Cal—it deeply moved the entire Mariners fanbase. Many fans shared their feelings on social media:
“They’re not just his parents—they’ve been Cal’s companions since day one.”
“Those words are more powerful than any technical analysis.”
“The Mariners don’t just have one great player — they have a great family behind them.”

In a highly competitive sport like MLB, mental strength is often the deciding factor in crucial moments. And for Cal Raleigh, the unwavering support of his parents once again became a tremendous source of energy, allowing him to enter the season with the highest level of confidence.
Cal Raleigh, nicknamed “Big Dumper” by Mariners fans, has come very close to becoming a legend in the franchise — not just because of his powerful home runs, but also because of how he connects himself to his community and family.
In a season where the Mariners aim not only to win games, but to conquer the World Series, the encouragement from his parents is the perfect start for Cal — a reminder that love, belief, and unwavering support are always the greatest springboard for any star.
And when Cal steps onto the T-Mobile Park court in the 2026 season, it’s not just the power of his stroke—but also the heart of an entire family and millions of Mariners fans behind him, cheering him on every step of the way.