SouthernWorldwide.com – Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners’ catcher, has ended his significant hitless streak with an unconventional method rooted in superstition.
Before Tuesday’s game, Raleigh had endured a challenging stretch, going hitless in his first three plate appearances, extending his slump to 38 consecutive at-bats. This put him in rare company, as it was the longest single-season hitless streak in Major League Baseball since Craig Counsell’s 0-for-45 stretch in 2011.
Last year, Raleigh was a strong contender for American League MVP, finishing as the runner-up to Aaron Judge after an impressive season where he hit 60 home runs. The stark contrast in his performance this season highlighted the pressure and frustration of his hitting slump.
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However, in the top of the seventh inning, Raleigh finally broke through, singling to center field. He continued his resurgence in the ninth inning with another single to left field, signaling a potential turnaround.
The Mariners’ catcher resorted to a rather unusual tactic to overcome his slump, inspired by advice from his teammate Logan Gilbert. Gilbert suggested that Raleigh “wash off the bad mojo or juju from the baseball gods,” a superstitious remedy aimed at breaking the cycle of poor performance.
The specific method, as revealed by pitcher Bryan Woo, involved Raleigh showering in his full uniform on Monday night. This peculiar ritual was intended to symbolically cleanse him of any negative energy affecting his hitting.
“So yeah, it worked. He was right, so I got to give him credit where credit’s due,” Raleigh commented after the game, acknowledging the effectiveness of the unconventional advice.
Manager Dan Wilson expressed relief for Raleigh and the team. “We were all screaming for him and it was a lot of relief for sure and I know it felt good for Cal,” Wilson stated, recognizing the significance of the catcher breaking out of his slump.
While the superstition may have worked, the process of breaking out of the slump wasn’t entirely without discomfort. Raleigh experienced a painful moment when he took a foul tip near his groin area, a common occupational hazard for catchers.
Raleigh’s performance last season was exceptional, leading the American League with a Seattle-record 60 home runs and 125 RBIs. This year, however, his numbers have dipped significantly, batting just .166 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs in 40 games played.
Despite the struggles, Raleigh’s recent performance of going 2-for-2 offers a glimmer of hope. His past success suggests that once he finds his rhythm, he is capable of returning to his formidable offensive form.
