Cal Raleigh's nickname, explained: Why Mariners catcher is called Big Dumper

Cal Raleigh is grabbing headlines for his incredible play in the 2025 MLB season.

And with each new entry into the Raleigh fan club comes another person who learns of his wonderful nickname.

Raleigh is called "Big Dumper."

Here's why:

Why is Cal Raleigh nicknamed Big Dumper?

It's really not complicated.

A former Mariners minor league teammate of Raleigh's, Jarred Kelenic, gave Raleigh the moniker "Big Dumper" because he has a large backside.

Seriously. That's it.

The Mariners have even embraced the nickname with a bobblehead that exaggerates Raleigh's rear features.

Raleigh also told GQ that fans present him the bobblehead with a specific hope for an autograph:

“Whenever someone wants me to sign a bobblehead, they want me to do it on the butt,” he said. 

Raleigh's strong lower half also has him on pace for a historic season.

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Most catcher home runs in a season

The record for most home runs by a catcher in a single season is 48 by Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez in 2021.

Perez broke the long-standing record of Reds legend Johnny Bench, which had been 45.

Through June 24, Raleigh was on pace to hit 66 homers in the 2025 MLB season.

Even if he slows down some, that Perez record is in grave danger. Raleigh already had 32 home runs through June 24, which has been in less than half of the Mariners' season schedule.

Could Big Dumper be the MVP? There's a real chance.

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