On the night of September 24, 2025, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh etched his name into Major League Baseball history in front of a roaring crowd at T-Mobile Park. With a powerful swing in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies, Raleigh launched his 60th home run of the season, becoming just the seventh player in MLB history to reach that towering milestone. The blast wasn’t just a personal triumph—it also propelled the Mariners to a decisive 9-2 victory and clinched their first American League West division title in 24 years. But what happened next in the stands turned an already unforgettable night into a heartwarming story that captured the spirit of baseball.
As the ball sailed into the right-field seats, a scramble ensued among fans hoping to snag a piece of history. The ball ricocheted off several hands before landing with Glenn Mutti-Driscoll, a longtime Mariners fan originally from the Midwest who has called Seattle home for 19 years. Seated nearby was 12-year-old Marcus Ruelos and his family, who had come to the park hoping for a special evening. Marcus approached Glenn for a high-five, but instead, Glenn did something extraordinary—he handed the valuable home run ball to the young fan. The crowd erupted in applause, and the moment was quickly captured on video, spreading like wildfire across social media.
"It was surreal," Glenn later said of the experience. He didn’t hesitate to give the ball away, thinking only of the joy it would bring to Marcus. In an era where memorabilia from historic games can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, Glenn’s selfless act stood out. The gesture resonated with fans everywhere, turning him into a local celebrity overnight and earning praise not just from the Mariners community but from baseball lovers nationwide.
Stadium security and the Mariners’ guest relations staff sprang into action, escorting Marcus and his father to authenticate the ball. Recognizing the significance of the moment, the team offered Marcus a trade: the historic ball for a bat signed by Cal Raleigh himself and an invitation to watch batting practice on the field. Marcus, who understood the ball’s potential value, didn’t hesitate either. He really wanted Cal Raleigh to have it, and the exchange was made with smiles all around.
Meanwhile, the Mariners organization was determined to find the fan whose generosity had made the night so special. Adam Gresch, the team’s senior manager of communications, took to social media with a plea: "If you know this incredible fan, please send me a direct message." The search didn’t take long. The next day, Glenn Mutti-Driscoll and his family were invited back to the ballpark for a surprise meeting with Cal Raleigh before the final game of the series against the Rockies.
Glenn’s wife, Catherine, quickly organized the trip, rearranging their children’s school and sports commitments so they wouldn’t miss the opportunity. "I hope we look good," she joked, donning Mariners-themed attire for the occasion. The family, who had not been with Glenn during the historic game, were now part of a moment they’d never forget.
Before Thursday night’s first pitch, the Mutti-Driscoll family met Raleigh in person. The Mariners’ slugger greeted them warmly, presenting Glenn with a signed bat inscribed with a heartfelt message: "Glenn, thanks for being a good guy and nice catch." Raleigh also gifted two autographed baseballs, which Glenn promptly handed to his kids. The exchange was filled with laughter, gratitude, and a sense of camaraderie that transcended the game itself.
Reflecting on the whirlwind of events, Glenn said, "It was just about the moment, about sharing the excitement with a kid and being part of something bigger than myself." His love for baseball and the Mariners traces back to his childhood, when he idolized Ken Griffey Jr. As a hydrogeologist and founder of his own company, Glenn now finds new ways to connect with colleagues and his community through the sport he loves.
This wasn’t just any home run. Cal Raleigh’s 60th made him part of an elite club, joining legends like Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Aaron Judge. With four games remaining in the regular season, Raleigh’s pursuit of Aaron Judge’s American League record of 62 home runs from 2022 adds even more intrigue to the closing days. The Mariners’ victory on September 24 didn’t just secure a division title; it set the stage for Raleigh to potentially make more history.
For Marcus Ruelos and his family, the night was equally unforgettable. Marcus told NPR, "I knew the ball could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, but I really wanted Cal Raleigh to have it." His willingness to return the ball, coupled with Glenn’s original act of kindness, created a ripple effect of goodwill and sportsmanship that’s all too rare in today’s high-stakes sports environment.
Even as social media buzzed with debates over the potential value of the ball and comparisons to less generous fan moments—like the infamous "Phillies Karen" incident earlier this season—the overwhelming response was one of admiration. The Mariners organization, fans, and even opposing teams lauded Glenn’s and Marcus’s choices, emphasizing the deeper connections that baseball can foster.
Cal Raleigh, born in Cullowhee, North Carolina, has been a central figure in the Mariners’ resurgence since his MLB debut in 2019. At just 26 years old, he’s become a cornerstone of the team, known for his clutch power at the plate and strong defensive presence behind it. His charisma and dedication have made him a fan favorite, and his 2025 season is shaping up as one for the ages.
As the Mariners head into the final stretch of the regular season, all eyes remain on Raleigh’s bat and the team’s playoff prospects. But no matter what happens next, the story of Glenn, Marcus, and the 60th home run ball has already secured its place in Mariners lore—a testament to the enduring power of generosity, community, and the simple joy of America’s pastime.
With three games left and the American League record within reach, the excitement in Seattle is palpable. Whether or not Raleigh surpasses Judge, this week’s events have reminded everyone why baseball remains a game of heart, history, and hope.
