You see that deep, pitch-black sea blue. Then the neon yellow hits your retina like a fastball right down the pipe. If you’ve spent any time watching the Seattle Mariners over the last couple of seasons, you’ve seen the "Big Dumper" himself, Cal Raleigh, crouching behind the plate in those electric threads. It’s the Cal Raleigh City Connect jersey, and honestly, it’s become one of the most sought-after pieces of Pacific Northwest sports gear for a reason.
It isn't just about the colors. It’s about the vibe.
Seattle has a weird, complicated relationship with its sports history. We’ve got the Pilots (gone in a blink), the Kingdome era, and that 116-win season that still feels like a fever dream. When Nike and MLB rolled out the City Connect program, the Mariners had to thread a needle. They had to honor the past without looking like a dusty museum exhibit. The result? A jersey that feels like a love letter to the rainy, gritty, beautiful mess that is Seattle. And nobody wears it better than Cal.
The Design Language of the Cal Raleigh City Connect Jersey
Let's break down what you’re actually looking at when you see Cal framing a pitch in this thing. The primary color is "Rush Blue." It’s darker than the standard navy the M's have worn since the 90s. It’s meant to evoke the deep waters of Puget Sound. Then you have the "Sundown" yellow accents. This isn't just a random bright color; it’s a direct callback to the original Seattle Pilots and the early Mariners color palette.
The chest doesn't say "Mariners." It says "Seattle" in a blocky, bold typeface that feels industrial.
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If you look closely at the sleeve, there’s a patch featuring a trident. For a long time, the trident was considered "cursed" by superstitious fans because the team struggled during the era it was used. But Cal Raleigh doesn't care about curses. Since he started tattooing home runs into the Right Field Hit It Here Cafe while wearing this logo, the "cursed trident" talk has mostly died down. It’s been reclaimed.
Why the Fans Obsess Over the Raleigh Version specifically
Why Cal? Why not Julio Rodriguez or JP Crawford?
Well, everyone buys the Julio jersey. That’s the default. But Cal Raleigh is the heartbeat of the team. He’s the guy who ended the 21-year playoff drought with a walk-off homer that still makes grown men in Washington cry if you show them the highlight. Buying a Cal Raleigh City Connect jersey is a bit of a "ballplayer’s fan" move. It shows you value the guy who works the pitching staff, takes fouls off the mask, and still manages to lead all MLB catchers in home runs.
The jersey reflects that blue-collar energy.
Materials, Fit, and the Nike Vapor Premier Factor
If you’re looking to buy one of these, you need to know about the 2024 shift in jersey manufacturing. Nike moved to the Vapor Premier template. Fan reaction was, to put it lightly, mixed. The letters are a bit smaller, and the fabric is lighter and more breathable.
When you get the "Authentic" version—the one that actually matches what Cal wears on the field—you’re getting high-performance moisture-wicking fabric. It’s designed for athletes who are sweating through three hours of high-humidity baseball. The "Replica" version is what most of us end up with. It’s more affordable, the logos are heat-pressed rather than stitched, and it’s a more relaxed fit for sitting in the stands with a bag of Ivar’s fries.
- Authentic: Stitched twill, athletic cut, high-end mesh.
- Replica: Printed/heat-pressed, standard t-shirt-adjacent sizing, smoother fabric.
One thing to watch out for: the sizing on these can be tricky. The new templates run a little slimmer. If you’re used to the old, baggy Majestic jerseys from ten years ago, you might want to size up. Nobody wants to feel like they’re wearing a wet suit while they’re trying to enjoy a game at T-Mobile Park.
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The "Big Dumper" Legacy and the Jersey's Value
We have to talk about the nickname. "Big Dumper" started as a joke among teammates (shoutout to Jarred Kelenic for that one), but it’s become a legitimate brand. While the official MLB Shop won't put "Big Dumper" on the back of a City Connect jersey for you—they’re pretty strict about the official roster names—fans have been getting creative with custom orders.
But really, the #24 with "RALEIGH" on the back is the classic.
Think about the 2022 season. That's when this jersey really cemented itself. The imagery of Cal standing at home plate, bat held high, as that ball soared into the Seattle night... he was wearing the home whites then, but the City Connect has become the "big game" Friday night uniform. It represents the "New Seattle." It’s the uniform of a team that finally expects to win.
Where to Buy and What to Avoid
Buying sports jerseys in 2026 is a minefield of "authorized retailers" and sketchy knockoffs. If the price looks too good to be true—like $40 for a jersey—it’s a fake. The stitching will be crooked, the blue will look like purple, and the "Seattle" font will be slightly off.
The official team store at T-Mobile Park is the gold standard. They often have "Team Store Exclusives" that you can't find on Fanatics or the Nike website. For example, sometimes they have specific patches or limited-edition versions of the Raleigh jersey that include the "Postseason" patches if the M's are on a run.
If you’re shopping online:
- Stick to the MLB Shop or Fanatics for the standard jersey.
- Check the Mariners Team Store social media accounts for restocks.
- Look for the "hologram" sticker on the tag to ensure it's a genuine MLB product.
Honestly, the secondary market for these can be wild. Because Cal is so popular, his specific jersey often sells out faster than the blank ones.
Style Tips: Wearing the City Connect Off the Field
The dark blue makes this one of the most wearable jerseys in baseball. Some City Connects—looking at you, San Diego and Miami—are incredibly bright. They’re basically neon signs. Seattle’s version is sophisticated.
You can pair the Raleigh jersey with a simple pair of dark denim or even black joggers. Because the blue is so deep, it doesn't scream "I'm at a stadium" as much as a bright white home jersey does. It’s a staple of Seattle street style now. You see it at Pike Place, you see it in Capitol Hill, and you definitely see it all over the Light Rail on game days.
The Sundown yellow trim is the key. If you’ve got a pair of sneakers with a hint of yellow or gold—think classic Jordans or even some clean New Balance 550s—the whole outfit pops.
Maintenance: Keep Your Cal Jersey Fresh
Don't just throw this in the wash with your towels.
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If you bought the expensive version, you’ve gotta treat it with respect. Cold water only. Turn it inside out so the "RALEIGH" and "#24" don't rub against the drum of the machine. And for the love of everything holy, do not put it in the dryer. The heat will ruin the heat-pressed elements on a replica or shrink the stitching on an authentic. Hang dry it. It’ll look brand new for years.
The Cultural Impact of the Trident
There's a reason the trident is back. For decades, the Mariners tried to distance themselves from the 70s and 80s because, frankly, they weren't very good then. But nostalgia is a powerful drug. Millennials and Gen Z fans love the retro-modern aesthetic. By putting the trident on the sleeve of the Cal Raleigh City Connect jersey, Nike bridged the gap between the fans who remember Alvin Davis and the kids who only know the Cal Raleigh era.
It represents a bridge.
It’s a connection between the Kingdome and the retractable roof. Between the heartbreak of the past and the hope of the current roster. When Cal puts that jersey on, he’s carrying the weight of all those years of "almost" and turning them into "finally."
Future Collectibility
Is this a good "investment"? In the world of sports memorabilia, catcher jerseys are hit or miss. But Cal is different. He’s already a franchise icon. Barring something catastrophic, he’s going to be remembered as the greatest catcher in Mariners history. Owning his "City Connect" jersey from this specific window of time—especially the first few years of the design—is like owning an original Ken Griffey Jr. teal jersey from the 90s.
It’s a piece of history you can wear.
Next Steps for Your Mariners Collection
To get the most out of your purchase and show your support for the Big Dumper, follow these practical steps:
- Verify the Template: Ensure you are buying the Nike Vapor Premier version if you want the current on-field look, or hunt for the 2023 "pre-template" stock if you prefer the larger lettering and heavier fabric.
- Check the Team Store: If you are local to Seattle, visit the Mariners Team Store at 4th and Stewart or the stadium itself; they often have the Raleigh jerseys in stock when the national websites show as "sold out."
- Pair with the Hat: The City Connect hat features the "Seattle Pilots" style laurel leaves on the brim. It’s a bold look, but it completes the silhouette and makes the yellow accents on the jersey stand out.
- Size Up for Comfort: If you plan on layering your jersey over a hoodie (essential for those chilly April nights at T-Mobile Park), go one size larger than your usual t-shirt size to account for the athletic taper of the Nike cut.