Cal Raleigh & The Hobby

Seattle Slugger’s Hobby Heroics

Not many would’ve believed it: Cal Raleigh, once an emerging catcher, is now challenging the league’s best and capturing collectors’ attention. Raleigh’s rise has been a joy to watch, as the Big Dumper has become a legend in Seattle, while endearing himself to fans and collectors alike.

From smashing home runs to lighting up checklists, Raleigh’s ascent is a story that bridges the game and The Hobby.

Not Quite Out of Nowhere, A Banner Year

For those who learned of Cal Raleigh just this year, as he made his run at history, it probably seems like the catcher appeared out of thin air. But, in fact, Raleigh has been playing high-level baseball for some time now. Raleigh displayed plenty of power right away, averaging 30 bombs in his first three seasons in The Show. In 2023 and 2024, he received votes for MVP, and also scooped up a Gold Glove Award.

That said, while Raleigh showed promise, his impact in The Hobby had been somewhat minimal. As recently as July 2024, Raleigh’s PSA 10 2022 Topps Chrome Orange Wave Refractor RC Auto numbered to 25 sold for $260. Just over a year later, on August 10, 2025 a PSA 10 went for $3,360.

The Hobby’s Big Swing

Over the last 12 months, Card Ladder registers a stunning rate of growth of +1,282.35% on Raleigh cards. On September 27, 2025, Raleigh’s top sale per Card Ladder came for his 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs Superfractor 1-of-1, fetching $80,520.

This Red Refractor auto version of the card, numbered to five, sold for almost $23,000 on July 27. The Orange Refractor auto, numbered to 25, sold for as much as $14,640 on July 27 2025. In March 2022, the same card sold for $800.

While The Hobby had not gravitated to Raleigh as a prospect, the sheer force of his accomplishments on the field this year has lifted his place in the trading card world to incredible heights.

The Collection Fits

Raleigh is an intriguing player in The Hobby for a number of reasons; his incredible power, endearing personality, growing popularity, role on a contender, and expanding legacy. But his profile for collectors is interesting as well for the variety of collections he can show up in.

Not only is he an essential piece to any Seattle Mariners collection, having recently become the franchise single-season home run leader, there are any number of niche collections that Raleigh would be a great addition to: home run leaders, 60+ home run hitters, switch-hitters, catchers, home run derby champions. And of course, for anyone looking to chase Raleigh’s rainbow, his 2022 Topps Chrome RC is a great place to start.

It’s just one of the engaging parts of The Hobby, that a player like Raleigh can belong in so many collections. Maybe you have him alongside switch-hitting greats like Mickey Mantle and Chipper Jones, or legendary catchers such as Johnny Bench and Yogi Berra. The 60-home run club of course now includes Raleigh along with Ruth, Maris, and Bonds among others.

Chasing the Season

Topps NOW collectors who chase to celebrate the biggest stories of the season as they happen would no doubt want Raleigh onboard this season. Raleigh’s Topps NOW cards capture not just a moment, but a year to remember. It would have been hard to imagine in April that before the season was done, Raleigh would have dual cards with the likes of Ken Griffey Jr. and Mickey Mantle in celebration of him breaking their long-standing records.

From chasing down The Kid to setting a new standard for switch-hitters and catchers, Raleigh’s Topps NOW run is full of great options for collectors looking to get a piece of Raleigh’s magical year in their hands.

Cal’s Collection Continues

Now established as a star in The Hobby, collectors of The Big Dumper will no doubt have an exciting year to look forward to, including offerings in 2025 Topps Update and 2025 Topps Chrome Update, as well as the intriguing possibility of cards celebrating his potential MVP award. Either way, the future for Cal Raleigh on the diamond and in The Hobby is bright.

Cal Raleigh Collector’s FAQs

• Why is Cal Raleigh popular among collectors?
  • Raleigh’s rare combination of power, leadership, and charisma makes him a standout in modern card collecting.
• What are Cal Raleigh’s top cards?
  • Key cards include his 2019 Bowman Chrome Auto, 2022 Topps Chrome RC, and 2025 Topps NOW duals with Ken Griffey Jr.
• How much have Cal Raleigh’s cards increased in value?
  • According to Card Ladder, Raleigh’s high-end Bowman Chrome Autos have grown over 1200% in the past year.
• What Topps products feature Cal Raleigh?
  • Raleigh appears in Topps Chrome, Topps NOW, and upcoming 2025 Update and Chrome Update Series releases.
• Why do collectors compare Raleigh to classic switch-hitters?
  • His power from both sides of the plate and connection to legends like Mantle and Chipper Jones make him a modern-day throwback.

Key Facts

• 30+ HR seasons in 2023 and 2024
• Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome Autos hit record values
• Featured in 2025 Topps NOW duals with Griffey Jr. and Mantle
• PSA 10 Bowman Chrome sold for over $30,000
• Fan-favorite catcher dubbed “The Big Dumper”

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