The Unseen engine of a Mariners‘ Surge: Cal Raleigh‘s Relentless Preparation
Cal Raleigh’s power at the plate and leadership behind it have become synonymous with the Seattle Mariners’ recent success. But beyond the home runs and RBIs, a defining characteristic of Raleigh’s impact is the sheer, almost unparalleled dedication to preparation that fuels his performance – a commitment that is demonstrably shaping the team’s culture.
Raleigh’s arrival at the ballpark for a typical night game routinely exceeds six hours before first pitch. This isn’t simply early arrival; it’s the commencement of a meticulously structured regimen. The day begins with a team staff meeting at 1:00 PM, followed by a detailed catchers’ meeting at 1:30 PM, dissecting the previous series and comprehensively analyzing the upcoming opponent’s hitters. (For the Tigers series, this in-depth session was proactively held during a Friday off day.) This meeting alone spans at least thirty minutes, before Raleigh transitions to a demanding physical routine encompassing cold and hot tubs, focused training work, and weightlifting.
Pregame work centers on preventative maintenance, followed by an intensive offensive phase. As a switch-hitter, raleigh effectively undertakes double the workload, consistently taking swings in the batting cages. while occasionally participating in on-field batting practice, he often returns to the cage even during team BP. This is followed by a crucial meeting with the starting pitcher, pitching coach Pete Woodworth, and a team analyst, collaboratively developing a detailed plan of attack for each opposing batter.
the cycle continues with further offensive analysis in the daily hitters’ meeting, focusing on the opposing starter and potential relievers. Another weight room session dedicated to movement preparation precedes a return to the cage for challenging drills utilizing a pitching machine, again executed from both sides of the plate.
Raleigh’s preparation culminates in the bullpen with catching instructor and team catching coach Jason Arnerich, refining receiving, blocking, and footwork skills through drills and catch. They then warm up the starting pitcher. On the road, this process is adapted, with Raleigh prepping the starter before returning to the dugout to prepare for his role as the Mariners’ No. 2 hitter.
This exhaustive preparation underpins Raleigh’s demanding in-game responsibilities. He routinely handles approximately 150 pitches per game while managing a 13-person pitching staff, requiring a deep understanding of each pitcher’s repertoire, tendencies, and individual personalities. He functions as a strategic coordinator and on-field leader, concurrently fulfilling the roles of hitter and catcher – effectively three jobs given his switch-hitting ability. He also navigates the nuances of umpire interaction, understanding how to best advocate for borderline calls.
“It’s probably four jobs,” Arnerich observed,acknowledging the immense complexity of Raleigh’s role. “I don’t think people realize how hard it is, what he’s doing.”
One team executive described Raleigh’s commitment as a “massive investment of time and emotional energy,” suggesting it’s a level of dedication rarely seen in the modern game.
Raleigh’s efforts translated into tangible results during the regular season. He led the majors in home runs, paced the American League in RBIs, and accumulated a WAR (wins Above Replacement) exceeding 9 – a figure surpassing the combined WAR of all othre AL division backstops. He appeared in 159 regular season games, 121 of them behind the plate, and has continued to perform through four games in the AL Division Series against Detroit.
as the Mariners face a pivotal game with their season on the line, Raleigh will once again be the first to arrive, repeating the same rigorous preparation he has maintained for the past six months.He is the central figure in Seattle’s attempt to end a decades-long championship drought, absorbing the physical toll and making countless critical decisions behind the plate.
And when asked about his well-being, Raleigh offers a singular response: he won’t address it until the Mariners are the last team standing.
