UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners are urgently seeking the fan who gifted the historic 60th home run ball from catcher Cal Raleigh to a young boy during Wednesday night’s 9-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies. This moment not only marked Raleigh’s entry into an exclusive club of baseball greats but also showcased an act of kindness that has captured hearts nationwide.
As the Mariners clinched their first American League West title in 24 years, Raleigh’s milestone home run created a buzz in the stands of T-Mobile Park. The fan who caught the ball handed it to a boy seated in the right-field area, sparking a heartwarming exchange. Team security promptly escorted the child and his father to authenticate the ball, which has now become a symbol of both sportsmanship and generosity.
In a delightful twist, the boy traded the ball for a bat signed by Raleigh and received an invitation for an exclusive batting practice experience on the field. Galan Ruelos, the boy’s father, described the gesture as a “complete, gracious, sincere, random act of kindness.” Speaking on “The Gee and Ursula Show,” Ruelos emphasized the lesson his son learned from this experience: “No matter what happens, this is the kind of moment that you should pay forward later in life.”
The Mariners are actively reaching out to the generous fan responsible for this touching moment. Adam Gresch, senior manager of communications for the team, took to social media, asking for anyone who may know the fan to contact him directly. The urgency of their plea reflects the impact this moment has had on the community and the team.
Ruelos noted that his son, Marcus, never once considered monetizing the ball. “My son whispered to me and said, ‘Dad, because it’s Cal, I want him to have [the ball],’” Ruelos shared. “He was never thinking, are we going to keep it for money? That wasn’t even a thought.” The family has embraced the significance of this event, recognizing that touching baseball history is more valuable than any monetary gain.
Cal Raleigh now stands among baseball legends, becoming one of only seven players in major league history to hit 60 home runs in a season, joining the ranks of Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Aaron Judge. With just four games left in the season, Raleigh has a chance to surpass Judge’s American League record of 62 home runs set in 2022.
As the Mariners continue their playoff push, the story of this ball and the kindness surrounding it serves as a reminder of the joy and community that baseball can inspire. Fans are encouraged to share any information about the generous fan who made this moment possible. The Mariners are committed to celebrating this act of kindness as they look forward to building connections with their supporters during this historic season.
