It’s an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the Home Run Derby, also known as the T-Mobile Home Run Derby. This is a quick, one-day event that happens right before the MLB All-Star Game.
The first one ever was in 1985, although it’s gone through many changes since then. For instance, the Home Rub Derby was previously played as a two-inning event. Each player received five outs per inning.
So, why talk about this? What happened during the 2025 Home Run Derby for the internet to go wild? Cal Raleigh won, becoming the first catcher ever to win a Home Run Derby. On top of this, like a psychic, he predicted his win!
Click through the slideshow for more information on Cal Raleigh’s epic win and some other incredible champions.
About Cal Raleigh
Cal Raleigh has baseball running through his blood. Not only is his father a baseball coach, but many members of his family play the sport. Raleigh was born on November 26, 1996, to Stephanie and Todd Raleigh and has three siblings.
His baseball career is full of ups. He’s been playing for the Seattle Mariners since July 11, 2021. As of July 12, 2025, he’s had 131 home runs and a batting average of .226.
Raleigh’s nickname is Big Dumper, popularized in 2020. Both 2024 and 2025 have been excellent years for this baseball catcher, as he won the Gold Glove Award and the American League Platinum Glove Award.
Cal Raleigh’s HR Derby Win
Cal Raleigh almost didn’t win the 2025 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby. During round 1, he and Brent Rooker tied at 17 home runs. However, Raleigh pulled forward as his longest home run traveled 470.61 feet to Rooker’s 470.53.
Even with this small margin, he moved to the next round and ultimately won against Junior Caminero.
So, how did he predict the future? Well, shortly after winning, the internet exploded as a video went viral of young Raleigh singing and dancing that he is a Home Run Derby champ. Well, 20 years later – and he was right! Talk about incredible.
Past Champions to Remember
As we celebrate Raleigh’s incredible win, let’s remember some of the coolest past winners.
Dave Parker (1985)
- Birthday: June 9, 1951
- Team: Cincinnati Reds
- League: National League
- Stadium: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (MIN)
- Awards: NL MVP (1978), Gold Glove Award (1977–1979), and Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame
Andre Dawson (1987)
- Birthday: July 10, 1954
- Team: Chicago Cubs
- League: National League
- Stadium: Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum (OAK)
- Awards: All-Star (1981–1983, 1987–1991), Silver Slugger Award (1980, 1981, 1983, 1987), and Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
Ryne Sandberg (1990)
- Birthday: September 18, 1959
- Team: Chicago Cubs
- League: National League
- Stadium: Wrigley Field (CHC)
- Awards: All-Star (1984–1993), Gold Glove Award (1983–1991), and Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
Cal Ripken Jr. (1991)
- Birthday: August 24, 1960
- Team: Baltimore Orioles
- League: American League
- Stadium: SkyDome (TOR)
- Awards: All-Star (1983–2001), World Series champion (1983), and Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame
Juan González (1993)
- Birthday: October 20, 1969
- Team: Texas Rangers
- League: American League
- Stadium: Oriole Park at Camden Yards (BAL)
- Awards: All-Star (1993, 1998, 2001), Silver Slugger Award (1992, 1993, 1996–1998, 2001), and Texas Rangers Hall of Fame
Ken Griffey Jr. (1998 and 1999)
- Birthday: November 21, 1969
- Team: Seattle Mariners
- League: American League
- Stadium: Coors Field (COL) and Fenway Park (BOS)
- Awards: All-Star (1990–2000, 2004, 2007), Silver Slugger Award (1991, 1993, 1994, 1996–1999), and Major League Baseball All-Century Team
Jason Giambi (2002)
- Birthday: January 8, 1971
- Team: New York Yankees
- League: American League
- Stadium: Miller Park (MIL)
- Awards: All-Star (2000–2004), Silver Slugger Award (2001, 2002), and Athletics Hall of Fame
Miguel Tejada (2004)
- Birthday: May 25, 1974
- Team: Baltimore Orioles
- League: American League
- Stadium: Minute Maid Park (HOU)
- Awards: All-Star (2002, 2004–2006, 2008, 2009), Silver Slugger Award (2004, 2005), and Athletics Hall of Fame
Vladimir Guerrero (2007)
- Birthday: February 9, 1975
- Team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
- League: American League
- Stadium: AT&T Park (SF)
- Awards: All-Star (1999–2002, 2004–2007, 2010), Silver Slugger Award (1999, 2000, 2002, 2004–2007, 2010), and Angels Hall of Fame
Prince Fielder (2009)
- Birthday: May 9, 1984
- Team: Milwaukee Brewers
- League: National League
- Stadium: Busch Stadium (STL)
- Awards: All-Star (2007, 2009, 2011–2013, 2015), AL Comeback Player of the Year (2015), and American Family Field Walk of Fame
Yoenis Céspedes (2013 and 2014)
- Birthday: October 18, 1985
- Team: Oakland Athletics
- League: American League
- Stadium: Citi Field (NYM) and Target Field (MIN)
- Awards: All-Star (2014, 2016), Gold Glove Award (2015), and Silver Slugger Award (2016)
Juan Soto (2022)
- Birthday: October 25, 1998
- Team: Washington Nationals
- League: National League
- Stadium: Dodger Stadium (LAD)
- Awards: All-Star (2021–2024), All-MLB First Team (2020, 2021, 2024), and Silver Slugger Award (2020–2024)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©zieusin / Shutterstock.com.