Local MLB team, The Seattle Mariners, have stole the title of Division Leader and secured a spot in the 2025 Playoffs! The last time in franchise history that the team won the title was in 2001, and Mariner fans nationwide are buzzing with excitement: The World Series is in reach.
Meet The Players
Cal Raleigh, designated hitter and catcher, hit his 60th home run of the season, leading the American League in the amount of home runs hit by a catcher and breaking the Mariners single season home run record (MLB). Cal’s gritty hard work and “never give up” mindset contributed to the push of making the playoffs while being one of the most respected modern day players.
Outfielder and hitter Julio Rodríguez has been a consistent star since his MLB debut. His clutch hitting and record setting offensive surge is a major boost to the Mariners’ game and fueled the teams’ play off chances. Juilo’s elite speed, athleticism, and defensive instincts contribute significantly to the team’s success (Seattle Times).
Top 5 established shortstop, JP Crawford, leads the Mariners in hits, batting average and on base percentage. His success against offspeed pitches and his anchoring confidence on defense played a huge part in the Seattle team’s journey to the playoffs.
What do THS Students think?
Riley Smith, THS student, attended The Mariners VS The Rockies baseball game and witnessed first hand the Seattle team achieve their much earned Division title. She said “There was so much energy in the stadium, the Mariners hit 5 home runs and Cal Raleigh celebrated hitting his 60th home run of the season. They have improved so much and the fans went crazy.”
Reese Bradley, THS student had attended a Mariners game earlier in the season and had noted that the Mariners were already a better and stronger team, playing better than she expected. “They played well and were better than I expected.”
Lydia Schreiner, THS student, previously had the chance to go see The Mariners in action back in August. Certain star players stood out to her, their exceptional baseball skills carrying the team to victory. ” Cal Raleigh and Juilo Rodríguez stood out to me, they both hit home runs.”
Sofia Gustafson, THS student, had seen The Mariners play before the race for the playoffs had begun, stating that even then they were excellent and beat their opponents by several home runs hit by Cal Raleigh. “Cal played very well and is the Mariners best player.”
Rising to the Top
The 2025 MLB season has been a success for the Mariners, charging their way to the top of the American League West and defying the expectations put upon them. Preseason forecasts predicted they would finish with 83-87 wins. Instead, with a 87-69, the Mariners have crushed theie opponents and shocked baseball fans nationwide.
Work Cited
The Seattle Times | Local news, sports, business, politics, entertainment, travel, restaurants and opinion for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest., 25 September 2025, https://www.seattletimes.com/. Accessed 25 September 2025.
2025 MLB Player Hitting Stat Leaders. MLB.com, Elias Sports Bureau, the Official Statistician of Major League Baseball, https://www.mlb.com/stats/. Accessed 25 September 2025.
Wasson, Lindsey. Bloomberg, Associated Press, 28 August 2023, https://www.bloomberg.com/en/news/thp/2023-08-29/julio-rodriguez-and-the-mariners-stay-red-hot-with-7-0-win-over-oakland.
Seattle Mariners’ J.P. Crawford celebrates his grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) (AP)
Penn Entertainement ESPN Bet SportsBook, 2025, https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/41292/cal-raleigh.
