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Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh’s historic season may have surprised most people, but his girlfriend Hannah Shimek has had an up-close look at all the hard work that is now paying off. Raleigh has emerged as one of the rising stars in MLB. The Mariners catcher’s 60 home runs led all of MLB during the regular season. Now, “The Big Dumper” is hoping to keep the historic moments coming as Seattle aims to make the team’s first World Series in franchise history. Back in August, Shimek took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message on Raleigh after the catcher hit his 49th home run. “Greatness was witnessed today,” Shimek noted in the August 24, post. “29, your dedication, drive, and love of the game is inspiring. I love you big and couldn’t be more proud, congrats✨” Here is what you need to know about Raleigh and his girlfriend. Cal Raleigh’s Girlfriend Hannah Shimek Is a 2-Time National Champ in Softball The couple shares a passion for sports. Shimek was a 2-time national champion in softball at Southern Oregon University. Raleigh’s girlfriend is now a hitting instructor for both baseball and softball. Shimek accompanied Raleigh to Atlanta as the catcher won the Home Run Derby and appeared in the MLB All-Star Game. Raleigh and Shimek both posted photos of the couple appearing on the red carpet. “Congrats Cal🏆✨,” Shimek noted in a July 18, message on Instagram. “The most special week with the most special people. “Such an unforgettable experience watching Cal live out a dream on one of baseball’s biggest stages. Here’s to carrying the magic into the second half✨.” Why Is Mariners Star Cal Raleigh Called ‘The Big Dumper’? Fans who are just tuning into baseball games in October may be surprised to learn about Raleigh’s nickname. Yes, “The Big Dumper” means exactly what you think it means. Raleigh’s nickname came from former Mariners teammate Jarred Kelenic which referred to the catcher having a large backside. “‘The Big Dumper’ comes from Jarred Kelenic,” Raleigh told Fox Sports. “He started it. Obviously it comes from my butt. “I’ve always had a large butt, and it’s a blessing and a curse, I guess.” It appears Raleigh’s girlfriend is in on the joke. Back in 2024, Shimek had a little fun at the star’s expense. “New Year Dump(er)!!!” Shimek noted in a January 7, 2024, post along with a photo “dump.” “Here’s to the best year yet🍻🤍.” Mariners OF Julio Rodriguez on Cal Raleigh: ‘It Just Felt Like He Was Hitting a Home Run Every Single At-Bat’ It is rare for any MLB player to hit 60 home runs. What makes Raleigh’s feat even more impressive is being a power hitter as a catcher. Raleigh’s historic season is not lost on his Mariners teammates. “Honestly, earlier in the year, it just felt like he was hitting a home run every single at-bat, every time he got to the plate,” Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez told The Athletic’s Jayson Stark during a September 17, feature story titled, “Watching history: Cal Raleigh’s teammates, Mariners brass reflect on all-time season.” “It was like, we were always just looking around, looking at each other’s faces, going: ‘What are we watching?’”
