Seattle, WA — A historic season may have ended, but the feeling of regret remains. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who set a series of records in the 2025 season, has officially apologized to fans after not winning the American League MVP award.
Raleigh’s season was one of the best in MLB history. He led the league with 60 home runs, led the AL with 125 RBIs, and broke the single-season home run record for a catcher, a switch-hitter, and the Mariners franchise. But despite those “big” numbers, the ALMVP award went to Yankees’ slugger Aaron Judge, who received 17 top votes to Raleigh’s 13.
In an emotional interview, Raleigh acknowledged his disappointment but focused on his gratitude to the fans. “I know people expected me to win MVP,” Raleigh said, his voice shaking. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do it. I know the fans in Seattle have been rooting for me and I really wanted to give them that credit.”
Tears streamed down Raleigh’s cheeks as he spoke about the heavy feeling after Game 7 of the ALCS, when the Mariners lost to the Toronto BlueJays. “It was a season where I gave my whole heart, every game, every beat of my heart. Every swing, every time I stood behind the plate, I was thinking about the fans who watched and supported me. I know they deserved the MVP, and I’m sorry I couldn’t bring it to them.”
Mariners fans across Seattle and across the country shared words of encouragement for Raleigh, expressing pride in his achievement. On social media, the hashtag #TipOfTheCapToRaleigh went viral, with comments like: “Even without the MVP, Cal Raleigh is still a legend in our eyes,” “A historic season, a hero for the Mariners.”
Experts say Raleigh’s failure to win MVP is no reflection of his worth. The catcher position requires many responsibilities beyond offensive numbers, and his 60 HR + 125 RBIs is still a historic feat. Some analysts have called it “one of the greatest catcher seasons of all time,” while emphasizing Raleigh’s influence both in the locker room and in game strategy.
Raleigh also emphasized that he will use this failure as motivation for next season. “MVP is an award, but the love of the fans is what I cherish the most. I will come back stronger, to continue to bring pride and joy to the Mariners and the fans.”
Although ALMVP did not belong to Raleigh, the 2025 season has etched his name in baseball history: a breakthrough as a catcher, a power as a switch-hitter, and an indelible mark in Mariners history. His apology is not a sign of weakness, but rather an expression of his deep appreciation for the fan base that has accompanied him on this extraordinary journey.
For Cal Raleigh, the 2025 season is not just about numbers and records, but also about the love, responsibility, and pride that comes with being a Mariners fan. Now, even though the ALMVP award has gone to someone else, the hearts of the fans remain with him, and Raleigh knows that love is the true victory.
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