Big Dumper: Catching Up with Cal Raleigh

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

More episodes of Sources Tell Jeff Passan

• Where Should MLB Expand? Six Cities Make Their Case · September 8, 2026 · 1h 10m
• The Magic of September Baseball: When Anything Can Happen · September 1, 2026 · 54 min
• Inside Dodgers Owner Mark Walter’s Billion-Dollar Insurance Scandal · August 25, 2026 · 1h 1m
• Newly Discovered Footage: Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr Debate the Art of Hitting · August 18, 2026 · 1h 21m
• Top 10 Storylines that AREN'T the Dodgers · August 11, 2026 · 53 min
• Trade Deadline Winners & Losers · August 4, 2026 · 1h 15m