The Seattle Mariners have clinched the American League West title for the first time since 2001, ending a 24-year postseason drought. This milestone was achieved after a dominant 9-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies, highlighted by catcher Cal Raleigh's historic 59th and 60th home runs, placing him among just seven players in MLB history to achieve that feat.

Following a mid-season slump, the Mariners staged a remarkable turnaround, winning 16 of their last 17 games. This resurgence has not only energized fans but also brought the city together in celebration. The playoffs are set to begin on Tuesday, with Seattle entering the postseason with strong momentum and high hopes.

In other developments, Major League Baseball reported an increase in total attendance for the third consecutive season, reaching 71,409,421 fans in 2025. This marks the league's 16th highest attendance ever, with improvements largely attributed to faster game times—averaging 2 hours and 38 minutes—and an expanded postseason. The Los Angeles Dodgers led the league by surpassing 4 million in attendance for the first time, while the San Diego Padres set a franchise record with 3.4 million attendees.

Television ratings also rose across the board, with FOX averaging 2.04 million viewers—its highest since 2022—while ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network recorded double-digit growth. Games broadcast in Japan also saw increased viewership, indicating a growing global interest in the sport.

Looking ahead, the Mariners' success has reignited baseball enthusiasm in Seattle, and their strong finish to the regular season has set the stage for an exciting postseason run. Fans are hopeful that the team's recent performance will translate into success in the playoffs, marking a new era of competitiveness for the franchise.