Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh became the first player in franchise history to hit 60 home runs in a season Wednesday night, accomplishing the feat during the team's game against the Colorado Rockies at T-Mobile Park. The feat was historic not just for the Mariners but for the sport itself, given how rare it is for a catcher to be leading the home run charge.

But the glare was soon diverted from the diamond to the stands when the fan who caught Raleigh's record-breaking ball gave it to an adjacent child. Though the act warmed hearts, it might have come at a steep price that can reach up to $200,000.

What the Raleigh Home Run Ball Could Be Worth

Cal Raleigh’s 60th Home Run Ball Could Fetch as Much Cal Raleigh’s 60th Home Run Ball Could Fetch as Much
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Sports memorabilia expert David Kohler, SCP Auctions founder, explained to TMZ Sports that the ball would sell for anywhere between $100,000 and $200,000 at auction. The ball's value might be even greater if Raleigh does not contribute to his total later on, using the 60th ball as his last home run of 2025.

"It's a phenomenal home run ball historically for the Seattle base. MLB catchers are very seldom in the home run race of an MLB season. So, very unique."

Baseball Memorabilia Collection

Baseballs attached to landmark home runs command huge dollars, especially when paired with record-setting performances. Raleigh's feat is particularly important considering his position; catchers infrequently possess such power numbers. That singularity increases the memorabilia's scarcity and demand from collectors.

If Raleigh keeps going on his tear and accumulates additional home runs, every ball might still be worth a lot, but the 60th homer will be the standard by which his record-breaking season is measured.

The Fan's Generous Gesture

The spectator who picked up the ball may not have known its value before passing it to a boy in the vicinity. Although there has been no mention of what has become of the ball since, there's only one sure thing. It's something that will linger for the kid who was handed it, even though it means the initial catcher missed out on a possible little fortune.

Baseball memorabilia like Caleigh's home run ball is not new anymore to the auction scene. Barry Bonds' 756th home run plate was expected to hit $100,000.

Last year, Shohei Ohtani's NPB jersey in 2017 got a starting auction bidding price of $5,000. It was sold for $65,007.60.