The first half of the MLB season did not disappoint thanks to Cal Raleigh, Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and others. But this is where the real fun begins.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cal Raleigh Landed Perfect Partnership for 'Big Dumper' Nickname After Home Run Derby.

The Seattle catcher is on a historic pace, hitting 38 home runs before the All-Star break. Some changes he made in the minor leagues have fueled his tear.

Former Florida State catcher Cal Raleigh, aka The Big Dumper, takes part in his first Home Run Derby and is an All-Star Game starter.

The Tigers started the best pitcher in baseball Tarik Skubal, and the Mariners managed four runs off him in five innings of work. Raleigh, though, didn't get his licks in until Skubal had given way to the Detroit bullpen. Homer No. 1 of the night came off Tyler Holton in the eighth inning.

Mariners' Cal Raleigh Breaks AL Home Run Record with Grand Slam originally appeared on Athlon Sports. 'Big Dumper' goes deep twice against Detroit Tigers, eclipses AL home run before All-Star break mark.

Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge are putting on a show similar to what Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa did in 1998. But this chase is better because the 'clean' home run record is at stake.

On the spot, Cal Raleigh compiled a laundry list of players he would consider for a Mount Rushmore of Seattle Mariners following their 6-0 victory over Pittsburgh on Friday.

Home Run Derby takes place Monday, July 14 to kick off the MLB All-Star break. The format for this year's competition remains the same as it did in 2024, where the top four hitters from the opening round will advance to the knockout bracket where there will be head-to-head matchups.