
Big Dumper: Catching Up with Cal Raleigh
From Sources Tell Jeff Passan by ESPN, Omaha Productions, Jeff Passan
April 28, 2026 · 53 min
About this episode
Cal Raleigh discusses the challenges and nuances of being a catcher in baseball.
Mariners All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh joins Sources Tell Jeff Passan for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on one of baseball’s toughest — and most misunderstood — positions. From the craft of calling games and managing pitchers to the physical (and mental) toll behind the plate, Raleigh breaks down what it really takes to be an elite catcher. And yes, they get into it: the origin of “Big Dumper,” the chaos of foul tips off the mask, ABS challenges, and even the realities of living with one of baseball’s most iconic nicknames. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Jeff Passan
Guest: Cal Raleigh
Topics covered
- baseball
- catching
- Mariners
- All-Star
- mental toll
- Big Dumper
Keywords
- Cal Raleigh
- catcher
- Big Dumper
- baseball
- Mariners
- pitchers
- foul tips
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: ESPN, Omaha Productions
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