An Open Letter from Catcher Cal Raleigh to Shohei Ohtani, Fans, and the Entire Seattle Mariners Community
Dear Shohei Ohtani, Mariners Fans, and the Seattle Mariners Community,
I write this letter with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, excitement, and pride. As a member of the Seattle Mariners, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a team that is consistently growing and pushing toward greatness. But as we all know, the journey to becoming a championship contender is one paved with both challenges and opportunities. One of those opportunities is having the chance to play against and possibly alongside the most dynamic player of our generation—Shohei Ohtani.
Shohei, your journey in Major League Baseball has been nothing short of legendary. You’ve redefined the game in ways we’ve never seen before, showcasing an unbelievable blend of pitching and hitting that has captured the imagination of fans all over the world. As a fellow player, I can’t help but admire your relentless work ethic, your humility, and the way you carry yourself on and off the field. You’ve set a new standard for what it means to be a complete player, and I can speak for every player in the league when I say we respect the hell out of what you do.
To our Mariners fans, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the unwavering support you’ve shown not just for me, but for this entire organization. The energy you bring to every game, whether home or away, fuels our determination to improve and strive for more. It’s because of you that we push ourselves to play at the highest level possible. We know the expectations, and we know how badly you want to see us bring a championship to Seattle. Trust me, we want that too.
The Mariners’ community is more than just a fan base; it’s a family. Whether you’re one of the die-hards who have supported the team through thick and thin, or a new fan excited to witness our growth, you are part of what makes this team special. It’s your energy, your passion, and your belief in us that gives us the strength to keep fighting for every win. You show up for us, and we show up for you.
Now, Shohei, I’ll be honest with you—if there’s one thing that we as Mariners players want, it’s for our team to be in a position where we can compete at the highest level year after year. And let me tell you, we’re close. We’re building something that could be truly special here in Seattle. From the pitching staff to the offense, from leadership to the younger guys, there’s a fire in this team that I believe can take us all the way to the top. But with that, we need players who share that same passion for winning and who are capable of elevating the team.
I can only speak for myself and the guys in the locker room, but I think we’d all agree: having a player like you, Shohei, on our side would be an absolute game-changer. You bring a level of excellence that could propel this team to new heights. Your two-way talent is unparalleled, and your presence could be the spark that ignites a dynasty in Seattle.
To our fans, I ask for your continued support as we aim for that championship. We are building something special here, and with players like Shohei possibly joining this organization, the sky’s the limit. We are committed to making this team a perennial contender, and we hope that you’ll continue to stand with us as we take the next step toward greatness.
Shohei, if the future holds the possibility of you joining us in Seattle, know this: you wouldn’t just be joining a team—you’d be joining a family. We believe in each other, we push each other, and together, we will do whatever it takes to bring a championship to the Pacific Northwest.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for the game of baseball. And thank you to our fans and the entire Mariners community for your continued belief and support.
Here’s to a bright future for all of us.
Sincerely,
Cal Raleigh
Catcher, Seattle Mariners
