Mariners’ Cal Raleigh Takes Home Run Derby Crown
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Home Run Derby in Atlanta, defeating Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays with a score of 18 to 15. This victory not only adds a significant achievement to Raleigh’s impressive season but also marks him as the first catcher to win this celebrated event.
A Special Family Affair
Raleigh’s triumph was made even more special as his father, Todd Raleigh, pitched for him, while his 15-year-old brother, Todd Jr., caught the balls. This touching moment showcased the family’s bond and support throughout Raleigh’s baseball journey.
According to sports analyst Jake Mintz, Raleigh’s outstanding performance illustrates his incredible rise from being a third-round draft pick to becoming a national baseball star. His remarkable 38 home runs during the season have positioned him as one of the leading figures in the league, proving that he is not just a talented player but a game-changer at the catcher position.
Raleigh has become a beloved figure in Seattle, but his extraordinary performance this season has catapulted him to national prominence. His consistency and raw power from both sides of the plate make him a standout player in the league. His recent win further confirms his place among the most recognizable athletes in baseball today.
The event began with a memorable introduction from ESPN personality Pat McAfee, who passionately referred to Raleigh as “BIG DUMPER CAL RALEIGH,” igniting the crowd as he prepared for the competition.
Historic Night for Michigan in Sports Drafts
In a historic achievement, Michigan became the first university to have a first-round selection in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL drafts all in the same year. This amazing feat highlights the talent emerging from Michigan’s athletics program.
- NFL: Mason Graham was picked No. 5.
- NHL: Will Horcoff was chosen No. 24.
- Michigan also secured a first-round pick in the MLS Draft, with Jason Bucknor going No. 20 to the Galaxy.
This achievement reflects not only the strength of Michigan’s athletic programs but also the quality of talent they are producing.
Fantasy Baseball All-Star Selections
As the MLB All-Star Game approaches, Yahoo Sports has released its fantasy baseball All-Star selections based solely on first-half performances.
For the American League:
- Catcher: Cal Raleigh, SEA — 38 HR, 82 RBIs
- First Base: Cody Bellinger, NYY — 16 HR, 54 RBIs
- Second Base: Ceddanne Rafaela, BOS — 14 HR, 48 RBIs
- Third Base: José Ramírez, CLE — 18 HR, 50 RBIs
- Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., KC — 14 HR, 54 RBIs
- Outfielders: Aaron Judge, NYY; Riley Greene, DET; Byron Buxton, MIN
- Designated Hitter: Brent Rooker, ATH
- Starting Pitchers: Tarik Skubal, DET; Garrett Crochet, BOS
- Reliever: Josh Hader, HOU
For the National League:
- Catcher: Will Smith, LAD
- First Base: Pete Alonso, NYM
- Second Base: Ketel Marte, ARI
- Third Base: Eugenio Suárez, ARI
- Shortstop: Elly De La Cruz, CIN
- Outfielders: Pete Crow-Armstrong, CHC; Kyle Tucker, CHC; James Wood, WSH
- Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, LAD
- Starting Pitchers: Paul Skenes, PIT; Zack Wheeler, PHI
- Reliever: Edwin Díaz, NYM
These selections reflect the outstanding performances of various players and set the stage for the upcoming All-Star festivities.
Golfers Maintaining Impressive Streaks
In golf, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, ranked first and third in the world, continued their impressive streaks by making the cut at the Scottish Open. Schauffele has not missed a cut since the 2022 Masters, while Scheffler’s last miss came later that same year. Their performances highlight their consistency and dedication to the sport.
As the golf season continues, fans are eager to see how both players will perform in upcoming tournaments, especially with Scheffler being touted as a leading favorite for the upcoming Open Championship.
Upcoming Events to Watch
Tonight, baseball fans can tune into the highly anticipated MLB All-Star Game at 8 PM ET, taking place at Truist Park in Atlanta. Cy Young frontrunners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes will take the mound as starting pitchers, with the American League looking to extend its recent dominance.
With an exciting lineup of games and events, this week has something for every sports enthusiast.
