PEORIA, Ariz. – Cal Raleigh’s approach to baseball, and life, can often be summed up in three words: “motion is lotion.” That philosophy has been on full display since the Seattle Mariners’ catcher returned to Spring Training on Thursday from his experience with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Even with temperatures soaring to record highs in the Phoenix area, Raleigh has embraced a relentless schedule of work, seemingly determined to shake off any lingering effects from a Classic that didn’t unfold quite as expected.
The Mariners are counting on Raleigh to build on a breakout 2023 season, one that saw him become a fan favorite and a key offensive force. He’s expected to anchor the lineup and provide crucial leadership as Seattle aims for a deeper playoff run than last year’s near miss – a team that came within eight outs of reaching its first World Series. The focus now is on refining that potential, and Raleigh is taking a decidedly hands-on approach to preparation. The Cal Raleigh return is a key storyline as the Mariners gear up for the 2024 season.
“You can have the best spring in the world, and then acquire up there and things don’t go your way,” Raleigh said after Seattle’s 4-2 win over the White Sox on Sunday. “And then vice versa, you can have a terrible spring. And so I don’t position too much talk into it. I’m more just trying to put stock into my approach and making sure I’m accomplishing that more so than the results.”
Raleigh didn’t waste any time re-immersing himself in game action. On his first day back, he proactively asked manager Dan Wilson for a spot in the lineup as the designated hitter against the Oakland Athletics at Hohokam Stadium – a drive across the Phoenix valley during rush hour. He responded by going 1-for-5, including a towering 109.4 mph double off the batter’s eye with the bases loaded. The next morning, he was behind the plate for a nine-inning ‘B’ game, catching Mariners ace Logan Gilbert in a tune-up for Opening Day. Despite the 102-degree heat, Raleigh also had eight plate appearances, drawing four walks and adding a home run to his tally. On Friday, he caught eight innings in George Kirby’s final Cactus League start, a game where Kirby was also testing a reverse PitchCom device.
A Rigorous Return to Spring Training
The intensity continued on Sunday, with Raleigh again at DH for the Mariners’ road game against the White Sox. This relentless schedule isn’t simply about shaking off rust. it’s a deliberate effort to regain the rhythm of everyday play after a World Baseball Classic experience that offered limited opportunities. Raleigh understands the importance of consistent at-bats and defensive work as he prepares for the demands of a full MLB season. He’s acutely aware that the regular season presents a different challenge than the high-stakes, but often sporadic, nature of the Classic.
“I’m just trying to get as many reps in as I can before the season, trying to get back into that flow of playing every day,” Raleigh explained. “Part of the WBC is you’re in different roles and you’re getting lots of days off. You just want to get back accustomed to seeing live arms.”
That necessitate for reps stems, in part, from his role with Team USA. Raleigh wasn’t a fixture in the lineup during the tournament, appearing in just three of the team’s seven games over the 18-day event. The truncated nature of the Classic, unlike the extended playoff runs in MLB, often leads managers to prioritize players who are performing well in the moment.
Limited Playing Time and a Viral Moment
Raleigh’s lack of playing time likely correlated with his performance, as he went 0-for-9 with five strikeouts and four walks. The Dodgers’ Will Smith ultimately started at catcher in the semifinal against the Dominican Republic and the final against Venezuela. The Dominican Republic ultimately won the World Baseball Classic, defeating Japan in the final.
“Talking to some people that had done it before, it’s hard to prepare for that, just in the sense of you go from Spring Training games and offseason straight into playoff-atmosphere baseball,” Raleigh said. “It was very special. It was an honor, obviously, to put on those uniforms and those colors, and it was a lot of fun. And I would definitely do it again.”
His experience wasn’t without its complexities. Raleigh was also involved in a viral exchange with Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena during a game against Mexico, a moment that sparked some online discussion but has since been clarified and resolved. Arozarena issued a statement addressing the incident, and both players have moved past it.
“It’s crazy though, just being back; I feel like I was gone forever,” Raleigh admitted.
Looking Ahead to 2024
The combination of limited playing time and the off-field incident may have fueled Raleigh’s current intensity. He’s clearly motivated to prove himself and build on the momentum he established in 2023. The Mariners, who came within eight outs of their first World Series appearance last year, are counting on him to lead the charge.
“We’re all ready,” Raleigh said. “We’re ready to get going. I realize the guys that have been here for a even as are too, so it’s usually how it gets at this time of camp.”
Raleigh is poised to be a central figure in the Mariners’ success in 2024. While repeating his home run total from last season (27) isn’t the primary goal, expectations are high for his overall leadership and ability to drive the offense. The Mariners’ faithful are hoping he can guide them on a deeper playoff run this October.
That’s why these final days in Arizona are being treated with such deliberate focus. Raleigh believes that the work he’s putting in now will translate to success when the games truly matter. The Mariners’ Opening Day is scheduled for March 28th against the Miami Marlins, and Raleigh is determined to be ready.
If you are struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline is available at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). You can find additional resources at https://www.nami.org/.
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