In a season where all eyes were on the Seattle Mariners, Cal Raleigh rocked MLB with a feat that left fans in awe: 60 home runs. It was a milestone any player dreams of, but what shocked everyone was: Raleigh didn’t win the MVP award, becoming the first player in MLB history since 1931 to hit 60 HR for a playoff team but still miss out on the prestigious award.

Raleigh, with the number 29, has become a symbol of strength and stability for the Mariners. From his powerful swing to his ability to read the game, he was not only the heart of the team but also the soul of every hit. Every time the ball went over the fence, the crowd at T-Mobile Park held its breath and then exploded in a crazy cheer. A truly “breakout” season, but lacking the ultimate recognition from the BBWAA – the organization that votes for MVP.

MLB pundits immediately analyzed this historical phenomenon. Some of the reasons given included the balance of the lineup, the Mariners’ overall score, and the competitive pressure from other superstars like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. However, even these explanations could not hide the fact: no one had ever done this before Raleigh. From Babe Ruth to Mickey Mantle to Mike Trout, all had won MVPs after reaching similar milestones. Raleigh was the exception, and that made people question the way the award was voted on.

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On social media, fans expressed surprise and a little outrage. The hashtag #CalRaleighMVP immediately went viral, along with analysis, highlight clips, and memes mocking the voting decisions. One fan wrote: “60 home runs, playoff team, and no MVP? This is a cruel joke!” Meanwhile, some analysts pointed out that Raleigh’s performance in key situations of the season, such as OPS with strong players or defense, may have influenced the journalists’ decisions.

Raleigh himself kept his composure. In his end-of-season press conference, he shared: “I know people want to see me win MVP, but for me, the most important thing is the team and the wins we had. I’m proud of this season.” Those words brought tears to many fans. Even though he didn’t receive the award, Raleigh’s influence on the Mariners has surpassed any individual accolades.

With 60 home runs, Raleigh not only broke all personal limits but also challenged MLB history. He became a living testament to the fact that great achievements don’t always come with awards, but the true value of a player is not just in the medals but also in the inspiration and influence on teammates and fans.

Now, Cal Raleigh’s story will be mentioned in MLB discussions for years to come. Will the BBWAA change its view of MVP? Will future players learn anything from Raleigh’s historical lack of recognition? One thing is for sure: the 2025 season has marked Cal Raleigh’s name in the MLB history books, not just for his home runs but for his indomitable spirit and undeniable power.