Context:

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners made history by becoming the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby, triumphing in a thrilling final against Tampa Bay Rays' Junior Caminero with a score of 18-15. Raleigh's achievement also marks him as the second Mariners player to win the event, alongside Ken Griffey Jr. Known affectionately as 'Big Dumper,' Raleigh celebrated the victory alongside his father, who pitched to him during the contest. Despite a close call in the first round where he narrowly advanced over Brent Rooker, Raleigh maintained his composure to claim the top prize of $1 million. Caminero, who could have been the youngest winner at 22, took home $750,000 as the runner-up, with a minor controversy arising over a potential missed home run call in the final round.

Dive Deeper:

• Cal Raleigh, leading MLB in home runs at the All-Star break, set a historical precedent by being the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby, defeating Junior Caminero in a tense final round with an 18-15 victory.

• Raleigh's win also solidified his place alongside Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Seattle Mariners players to have secured a Home Run Derby title, standing under the watchful eyes of the Hall of Famer.

• Throughout the competition, Raleigh's father pitched to him, and the duo celebrated the victory together, adding a personal touch to the historic win.

• The final round sparked some controversy when a potential Caminero home run was seemingly intercepted by a ball boy, but Raleigh's consistent performance ensured his victory regardless of this incident.

• Raleigh's journey in the Derby was not without challenges; he nearly missed advancing past the first round, edging out Brent Rooker by a fraction of a foot in home run distance.

• In his breakout season, Raleigh has hit 38 home runs, and his Derby win earned him a $1 million prize, while Caminero, who was close to becoming the youngest ever winner, received $750,000.

• The event was marked by other notable performances, including a memorable 513-foot home run by O'Neil Cruz and a strong showing by Byron Buxton, who advanced to the semifinals with a solid bonus round performance.