Mariners giving out a Cal Raleigh ‘Platinum Dumper’ bobblehead
It looks like the Mariners are showing a new kind of appreciation for their catcher Cal Raleigh.
Seattle revealed a bobblehead of Raleigh, 28, named the āPlatinum Dumperā on social media Thursday, hinting that it might be available for fans next Monday through Wednesday during a series against the rival Astros.
The bobblehead features Raleigh fully suited up in his gear squatting in the catcherās position, with the Marinersā social media team making sure to highlight his backside in their post.
āOmg Becky, look at that bobblehead,ā the Mariners posted on X alongside the photo.
The name āPlatinum Dumperā derives from Raleighās nickname āBig Dumper,ā which was given to him by former Mariners teammate Jarred Kelenic.
When Raleigh was called up to the majors in 2021, Kelenic congratulated the catcher on social media, revealing his nickname to fans.
āBig dumper to the show,ā he posted on X in 2021.
Kelenic, now with the Braves, created the name when he and Raleigh were in the minors together during the 2020 season as a reference to Raleighās behind, per The Athletic.
The word āplatinumā in the bobblehead name likely is a tribute to Raleigh winning the 2024 Platinum Glove award, given to the best fielder in each league.
During the 2024 campaign, Raleigh hit 34 home runs and 100 RBIs, both career highs.
Last week, the backstop signed a six-year $105 million extension with the Mariners, keeping him in Seattle long-term.
āCal is central to so much of what we do as a team,ā Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry DipotoĀ saidĀ in a statement after the signing. āHis leadership on the field combined with elite defense and impact offense is rare among catchers in the game.
āWe are fortunate that heās a Mariner and thrilled that heās here for the long haul.ā