Hours before screening "Home of Raleigh," Cal Raleigh's family paused to reflect on baseball, legacy, and life

Tuesday, Nov.

12, than the Raleigh house.

We hadnt originally planned things that way, but like several things that day, it just worked out.

When I arrived, the kitchen was bustling with activity.

Friends and family were gathered, enjoying delicious subs and cookies from Mother Hubbards brought by longtime friend Brian Nutting, the third baseman on Todd and Matt Raleighs 1986 D1 Vermont State Championship Missisquoi Valley Union baseball team.

As Doris Raleigh, the family matriarch, tended to things and got lots of help from her family, I felt I got a taste of what the house must have been like in the 80s when the kids were playing sports and the house was a hub of activity.

The Raleigh children had gathered in Vermont to celebrate two milestones: Doriss surprise birthday party and the screening of Home of Raleigh, a film by Michael LaRocque celebrating the family's baseball legacy, focused on the impact of the oldest sibling, John R.

Raleigh III, who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 19.

On Friday, November 8, more good news came for the family: Cal Raleigh was awarded the Rawlings Gold and Platinum Gloves, recognizing his incredible defensive season behind the plate for the Seattle Mariners.

Before the film, Doris, David, Robin, Todd, Matt, and Cal Raleigh welcomed me to the house to talk about family and Cal's epic success in his Major League Baseball career.

I invite you to join us.

The visit with the Raleighs was so special that Messenger Sports will publish a three-part series to celebrate.

The Raleigh family poses for a photo at Fenway Park during Cal's 2022 season with the Seattle Mariners.

Left to right: T, Emma, Cal, Carly, Todd, and Stephanie.

Q&A with the Raleighs What does it mean to you to share this part of the Raleigh baseball journey with Cal? Todd: Were all family, and everyones excited for everyones kids and has ownership in this.

My family is so vested in us; it means that much more because they are.

Doris: Theres a lot of us! We support one another and talk about which of Cals games well make.

I went to New York to watch Cal play, and Matt showed up with his kids.

We feel it together.

Im very proud of it all.

Matt: Were all invested in each other as family.

Before Cal made it to the Big Leagues, my son Brody won the Little League World Series; Todd loaded his family and drove 13 hours through the night to watch the championship game.

This goes back to Todd and me playing Little League and growing up under John in this tight-knit community, and it's cool to see Cal take it to the next level.

I foresaw him being a high-level baseball player when he was at Florida State, but I didnt know hed reach this high of a level so quickly.

I remember telling people, Wait until you see my nephew.' Theyd say, Thats what everyone says, but Id tell them, No, hes the real deal.

Cal Raleigh, #35, hoists the College World Series trophy with his Florida State teammates.

Todd Raleigh I remember telling people, Wait until you see my nephew.' Theyd say, Thats what everyone says, but Id tell them, No, hes the real deal.

Matt Raleigh Robin: I live in Illinois, and all our friends there have embraced Cal.

I traveled to Cals College World Series and attended several of his MLB games.

Competitiveness is in our DNA, and were very intense.

I love watching Cal; it brings so much joy to all of us.

I get super excited when hes up to bat.

Were so proud of him and happy to do what we can to support him, and hes such a great guy.

David: Hes earned everything, and he deserves this.

This path doesnt come easily, but seeing it come to fruition is so good.

I always tell my kids to watch Cal and how he interacts with people and treats them.

I tell them, Thats how you do it.

If they want a role model, I point to Cal.

The thing I hear most in Franklin County is that they cant believe how grounded he is and how easy he is to talk to.

Hes always the same, and its a beautiful trait.

Todd and Cal in the dugout in Todds college coaching days.

Theyre qualities my dad worked to instill in methe toughness of being Raleigh and what you do with that last namethe characterit all stemmed from this family.

Cal Raleigh How has Cals circle ex panded to help him grow with the game successfully? David: Hes always been in a strong circle, and thats helped put him where he is today.

He had great college coaches, good coaches, and teammates in Seattle, as well as his father and the whole Western Carolina baseball team when he was five.

Hed ask them to pitch to him.

Hed ride the bus to every college game on the weekend.

That was his life and where the love began, enabling him to grow.

I bet Todd had to fight with him to stay home.

He had Coach (Jack) Legget to help, and his coach at Florida State, Mike Martin, loved him.

He had good guidance to make decisions, and he made good decisions.

Cal: Ive been very blessed.

Its good to surround yourself with people who make you better, help you along the way, and lead you in the right direction.

Thats something I learned from this family.

My Dad and Uncle Matt were coaches and played themselves, which was a huge advantage.

Theyre both high-character people, and its good to listen to them, even when youre a little mad at themnot everything is all peachy and roses.

Im thankful for what theyve done for me and this family, and I feel like it all leads back to Uncle John.

I always tell my kids to watch Cal and how he interacts with people and treats them.

I tell them, Thats how you do it.

David Raleigh Doris Raleigh gets a big hug from her grandson and Seattle Mariners' catcher, Cal Raleigh.

What has the support of this family meant to you as youve grown as an MLB player? Cal: It extends more than my immediate family.

I feel like all of my family has impacted my life.

I take a lot of pride in being a Raleigh and coming up here.

I remember playing with my cousins up here in the summer.

Many of my earliest memories of the game came from playing baseball in town here, including the John Raleigh Memorial Field.

Its cool to hear the stories and how it all originated with Uncle John, who greatly impacted their lives.

That trickled down to all the grandkids who are good people and do things the right way.

It makes me proud to have the family I have.

How have you remained calm and focused throughout your MLB career? Cal: Its nice to share this with everyone; all my family members have played a huge part in it.

When I come to the northeast, I get people coming in and text messages, and its nice to share this with them.

I wouldnt be here without each and every one of these people and the impact theyve had on me and my dad.

I dont know if Id be where I am without this family.

Many of the qualities in this community and my family have made me who I am today.

Theyre qualities my dad worked to instill in methe toughness of being Raleigh and what you do with that last namethe characterit all stemmed from this family..

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