Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes history with 40th home run

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh clubbed his 40th home run of the season on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Angels, not only extending his major league lead but also making him the first player in baseball to reach the 40-home run mark this season.

It also helped him make some history.

With his 40th home run, Raleigh became both the first catcher and the first switch-hitter in baseball history to reach the 40 home run mark before the end of July.

Cal Raleigh is both the first catcher and the first switch-hitter in @MLB HISTORY with 40+ HR before the end of July.

Here is a look at his 40th home run.

No.

40 was a no-doubter from Big Dumper! #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/X4HNx6vcnD He is already in the process of having one of the best seasons ever for a Mariners player, and also one of the best seasons ever for a catcher, for any team.

Especially when you add in his defense, where he is one of the best defensive catchers in the league.

His only serious competition for the American League MVP Award remains New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge.

But with Judge sidelined for a period of time now due to an elbow injury, it might open the door for Raleigh to really put himself in the lead for that award.

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh.

He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA.

Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark.

Catch him on Twitter @AGretz.

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