For a long time, it seemed Johnny Bench had an unbreakable record.
In 1970, the Cincinnati Reds’ legendary catcher walloped 45 home runs. It was the record for a catcher, and it stood for 50 years.
At that point, no one would’ve been surprised if it stood for 50 more. Bench was an immortal of immortals among guys who spent their days with heavy gear on behind the plate, taking a daily punishment to support their pitching staff.
But then in 2021, Royals catcher Salvador Perez hit 48 home runs. Unexpectedly, Bench’s record had fallen.
Still, though, that 45 catcher homers rings in the minds of many old-time baseball fans. It’s not that Perez’s mark isn’t legitimate or impressive. It’s just that Bench’s number had so much history.
On Sunday, Cal Raleigh pulled even with Bench. And it’s only August 10.
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The Mariners catcher hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning on Sunday to reach 45 home runs for the season.
No, it’s not tied for the MLB record, because Perez holds that now. But it’s tied with Bench’s legendary mark, and that still counts for something.
Raleigh has heated up again and certainly has time to catch and pass Perez, too. He’ll likely be the first catcher to ever hit 50 home runs in a single season.
But there’s time to worry about that later. For now, it’s special to consider Raleigh alongside Bench.
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Bench is an all-timer, a legend, a superhero in many baseball hearts and minds.
And there’s Raleigh, pulling up alongside him, having one of the best seasons a catcher ever has, truly growing into a superhero for Seattle baseball fans.
It’s just a reminder how special this is, how wonderful Raleigh has been, how magically the game of baseball can tie generations together and create memories that last a lifetime.
No one will forget this Raleigh season, and for good reason. When you hang out with Bench on a ledger this historic, it matters, a lot.
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