Story perspectives

Mariners' Raleigh Faces Backlash Over Handshake Snub

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners catcher, faced scrutiny for snubbing handshakes from Randy Arozarena and Josh Naylor during the World Baseball Classic.
Randy Arozarena expressed frustration, using profane language to describe Raleigh's actions.
Josh Naylor clarified that his fist bump attempt was a joke.
Raleigh emphasized that focus during the World Baseball Classic is crucial for the Mariners' season.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural World Baseball Classic took place from March 3 to March 20, 2006, featuring 16 teams, including the USA and Japan. Japan won the championship, defeating Cuba 10-6 in the final. This tournament marked a significant shift in international baseball, allowing professional players to represent their countries, and highlighted ongoing tensions between individual performance and team dynamics, impacting player relationships and fan perceptions.

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Story summary

Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners catcher, faced scrutiny for snubbing handshakes from Randy Arozarena and Josh Naylor during the World Baseball Classic.
Randy Arozarena expressed frustration, using profane language to describe Raleigh's actions.
Josh Naylor clarified that his fist bump attempt was a joke.
Raleigh emphasized that focus during the World Baseball Classic is crucial for the Mariners' season.

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