What’s it like to win a Gold and Platinum Glove? Cal, Tood, Matt, and Doris reflect on the star-studded event

SWANTON - On Friday, Nov.

8, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was awarded the 2024 Rawlings Gold and Platinum Gloves for his outstanding season behind the plate.

Cal didnt celebrate this phenomenal achievement alone.

His father, Todd, his mother, Stephanie, and his Uncle, Matt Raleigh, were by his side, representing the incredibly supportive Raleigh family who grew up in Swanton, VT.

Todd and Matt led their high school baseball team, the Missisquoi Valley Union Thunderbirds, to back-to-back-to-back Division 1 championships, something the small town hasnt forgotten.

His grandmother, Doris Raleigh, joined this portion of our three-part series on Cal Raleighs visit to Vermont.

The Gold Glove Award accompanies Cal with Ivan Rodriguez, Thurman Munson, Joe Mauer, and Gary Carter.

The Platinum Glove puts him in the company of St.

Louis Cardinals' great Yadier Molina.

Cal Raleigh (second to the left in the back row) celebrates with good company at the Rawlings Gold Glove event in New York City on Nov.

8.

The Gold Glove Award recognized Cal as the best catcher in the American League, and the Platinum Award recognized him as the best defender in the American League.

Cals Gold and Platinum-winning night made history for the Mariners.

He was the first catcher in the franchise to receive the Gold Glove and the first Mariners player to receive a Platinum Glove.

Q&A with Cal, Todd, and Matt Raleigh What will you remember most about the Gold Glove Award celebration in New York City? Matt: When we walked in, all my idols growing up were in there, and I wasnt expecting that.

I was expecting Cals class.

I wasnt thinking of seeing Ozzie Smith, Johnny Bench, Dave Winfield, and so many others.

It was an unbelievable experience, and to see Cal in that setting was really cool.

I told Cal hes so well-liked in these circles that in 20 years, hell be doing the speech when he's done playing.

It was a night Ill never forget.

For a guy whos played a lot of baseball and came really close to making it into the Big Leagues, seeing Cal fulfill this was really cool.

I also told him, after he won Platinum, that since I live in New York state and am closest to the city, Im invited to the rest of these he wins.

Todd: Its one of those things where a lot goes into seeing someone make it to the Majors, and its not always easy.

Getting to an event like this where Cal isnt playingnot trying to get a hit- as a father was really cool, and I enjoyed it.

Im happy for him if it makes him happy, and Im proud.

The event was unbelievable.

You see Andre Dawson over there, and its hard to believe.

It was a very intimate event, and we got to talk to everyone.

I mean, I was sitting there watching Johnny Bench tell my kid hes the Gold Glove winner.

I grew up thinking about all this, and seeing Cal in that room doing something historically along with some of those great players is hard to wrap your head around.

In the regular season, Cal demonstrated phenomenal skill at his position, leading all Major League catchers in games caught (135) and innings caught (1,122).

Raleigh tallied 26 catcher caught stealings, led American League catchers in framing runs, with 13, and in defensive runs saved, with 17.

When behind the plate, Raleigh led the Mariners pitching staff to a 3.30 ERA Cal Raleigh (center) was awarded the Rawlings Platinum Glove on Friday, Nov.

8, recognizing him as the best defender in the American League.

He's photographed here with his parents, Todd and Stephanie Raleigh.

Todd was born and raised in Swanton, VT.

It was just a first-class event all around.

Cal told us that when he talked with other Major Leaguers, this was the one event they enjoyed the mostthe food and the showand it didnt disappoint.

It was an incredible night, and we were beyond blessed.

I was proud to be in a room of such greatness and MLB royalty.

Seeing Cal recognized and compared to some of the greatest ever to play the game was humbling.

Cal: Everyone in this family knows whats gone into this, and Im pretty sure everyone here has thrown me a ball at some point; it means a lot to share it with my family.

I dont feel like its just me; its the Raleigh name, and it makes me proud to do this for us.

Its a lot deeper than my own name; it started in this huge, tight-knit family.

Its good to have so many people in your corner cheering for you.

Even when I do badly, I get a nice text from Meme (Doris Raleigh) telling me I did great.

Its nice knowing Ive got a family supporting me.

Doris: I knew nothing about the Gold Glove until the night Cal won it.

I was leaving my granddaughter Marahs (McGinn) championship volleyball game when we got the text, and someone shouted, Cal got the Gold glove! People were coming out of the gym and wondering what was going on.

It was very exciting! And then, when it was the Platinum, that blew me over! Im so happy it happened for him!.

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