Last updated on: March 24, 2026
When ROOT Sports sideline reporter Brad Adam asked Stephanie Raleigh about her son Cal’s now-famous nickname during a 2025 game at Great American Ball Park, her response was instant and honest.
“It stinks!” she laughed. “I’ll roll with it. He’s accepted it, so I’m good with it too. I won’t say I love it though.”
That candid moment captured the heart of who Stephanie Raleigh is: a proud, grounded mom who supports her son’s rise to MLB stardom while staying true to her small-town North Carolina values.
Stephanie Raleigh is the mother of Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, the switch-hitting power hitter known worldwide as “Big Dumper.” While Cal grabs headlines with Home Run Derby titles, Gold Glove defense, and monster seasons, Stephanie has been the steady force behind the scenes—former three-sport athlete, small business owner, and the emotional anchor for a family full of standout athletes.
Married to Todd Raleigh, a former college coach and brief professional player, Stephanie helped build a multi-generational baseball (and volleyball) dynasty while co-running Print Shak, their successful printing business in Sylva, North Carolina. She raised four athletic children in the tight-knit mountain community of Cullowhee/Sylva while keeping the family humble amid sudden fame.
In this in-depth profile, we explore Stephanie Raleigh’s early life, her partnership with Todd, how she supported Cal’s journey from backyard batting cage to T-Mobile Park, her thoughts on the “Big Dumper” nickname, and the values that define the Raleigh family.
Early Life and Athletic Roots in Western North Carolina
Stephanie Raleigh (née Deitz) grew up in the scenic mountain town area of Cullowhee and Sylva, North Carolina—a close-knit community where hard work, family, and sports are part of daily life.
She was a three-sport standout at Sylva-Webster High School, excelling in basketball, volleyball, and track. That competitive spirit and discipline would later shape how she raised her own children. After high school, she attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, where she earned her degree and met the man who would become her husband and lifelong partner in business and family.
Small-town Southern values—humility, resilience, and putting family first—were instilled early. These same principles remain at the core of the Raleigh household today, even as Cal’s career has taken the family into the national spotlight.
The region’s tight community bonds still matter deeply to Stephanie. The family continues to live in the Cullowhee/Sylva area, staying rooted despite the demands of MLB life.
Marriage to Todd Raleigh and Building a Life Together
Stephanie and Todd Raleigh’s love story began in Western North Carolina. Todd, a former catcher at Western Carolina University (1988–1991) who had a brief stint in the Boston Red Sox organization, shared Stephanie’s passion for sports and community.
Together, they built a life centered on family, athletics, and entrepreneurship. They own and operate Print Shak in Sylva, a local printing business that produces T-shirts, banners, signs, decals, and more for the community. It’s a true family operation—Stephanie works alongside Todd, and Cal has proudly spoken about how his parents “built it up.”
Cal once said: “Mom works with him, so it’s pretty cool how they’ve built it up… He’s crushing it back home.”
Todd’s coaching career (including head coaching at Western Carolina, where he led the team to two NCAA berths, plus stints at Tennessee and other schools) meant long hours on the field. Stephanie balanced the printing business, household duties, and raising four active kids. Family interviews note that every once in a while, Stephanie has “just had her fill of the baseball talk,” a relatable touch for any sports parent.
Their partnership—equal parts love, hard work, and shared values—created the stable foundation that allowed Cal and his siblings to chase big dreams.
The Raleigh Family: A Multi-Sport Dynasty
The Raleigh family is a true athletic powerhouse. Here’s a clear overview:
| Family Member | Relation | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Todd Raleigh | Husband | Former college player & coach; pitched to Cal in 2025 Home Run Derby |
| Cal Raleigh | Son (b. 1996) | Seattle Mariners catcher, 2025 Home Run Derby champion, “Big Dumper” |
| Todd Raleigh Jr. (“T”) | Son | Switch-hitting catcher; caught for Cal in 2025 Home Run Derby (age 15) |
| Emma Grace RaleighEmma Grace Raleigh | Daughter | College volleyball player; now practicing as a dentist |
| Carley Raleigh | Daughter | College volleyball standout (Lincoln University) |
| Doris Raleigh | Grandmother | Family matriarch featured in the documentary Home of Raleigh |
| Extended Family | Uncles & Cousins | Multi-generational baseball legacy (uncles John & Matt Raleigh, cousin Brody) |
The family’s baseball roots run deep. The 2024 documentary Home of Raleigh traces the story across six decades, highlighting the brothers Todd, John, and Matt Raleigh, and ending with Cal’s rise. It celebrates hard work, loss, and astronomical success.
All four of Stephanie’s children are athletes—her daughters thrived in volleyball, while the boys followed the baseball path. Stephanie supported every one of them equally, never letting the spotlight fall only on Cal.
Raising Cal (and His Siblings): The Ultimate Baseball Mom
From the time Cal could walk, baseball was part of daily life. Todd handled much of the technical coaching, but Stephanie was the backbone—driving to tournaments, managing schedules for four kids, and providing the emotional support every young athlete needs.
The family had a backyard batting cage where switch-hitting drills started early. Stephanie kept the household running while Todd coached at the college level. She was the familiar face in the stands during Cal’s high school, college (Florida State), minor league, and MLB journey.
Cal still turns to his parents for guidance: Dad for hitting advice, Mom for life perspective and balance.
During the emotional 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta, the entire family was involved. Todd pitched to Cal, 15-year-old Todd Jr. (“T”) caught, and Stephanie watched proudly as Cal became the first catcher and first switch-hitter to win the Derby. Cal even wrote a special heartfelt message to his mom on the back of her jersey—a moment fans still talk about.
Stephanie’s role extended beyond Cal. She cheered equally for her daughters’ volleyball games and Todd Jr.’s baseball development. The family’s response to challenges, including the impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina, showed their community spirit and resilience.
Cal has repeatedly credited his parents for keeping him grounded. In a sport full of egos, the Raleighs emphasize humility—a direct reflection of Stephanie’s influence.
In the Spotlight: Stephanie’s Viral Moments & Thoughts on Fame
Stephanie prefers the background, but MLB broadcasts have captured her genuine reactions.
In the now-viral 2025 interview, she didn’t hold back on the “Big Dumper” nickname (which originated from Cal’s powerful build and was popularized by former teammate Jarred Kelenic):
“It stinks! … I’ll roll with it. He’s accepted it, so I’m good with it too. I won’t say I love it though.”
Fans loved her honesty. Cal later joked that his mom has “learned to love” the nickname, while Seattle fans embraced it fully.
During Mariners broadcasts, Stephanie has also delivered warm messages: “I just want to say thank you to all of Seattle for loving my kid, because you got a pretty good one!”
She maintains a relatively low-key social media presence on Instagram (@steph_raleigh), where she shares proud mom moments, family updates, and birthday posts. She occasionally replies to fans, showing appreciation for the support her son receives.
At home, baseball talk dominates, but Stephanie keeps things balanced. The family stays rooted in Sylva, where Print Shak remains a community staple.
Beyond Motherhood: Business Owner, Community Member & Personal Life
Stephanie Raleigh is much more than “Cal’s mom.” As co-owner of Print Shak in Sylva, she contributes to the local economy and serves organizations like the Rotary Club of Sylva (which has publicly thanked her for banner work).
She embodies small-town values: hard work, community involvement, and family first. Even as Cal’s fame grew, the Raleighs prioritized staying grounded in Western North Carolina.
Her athletic background and experience balancing business, coaching schedules, and four kids forged a quiet strength that shines through in every family interview.
The Raleigh Legacy and What Lies Ahead
Stephanie Raleigh helped create a multi-generational athletic legacy built on discipline, love, and humility. From Todd’s coaching days to Cal’s record-breaking MLB seasons and Todd Jr.’s promising path, the family continues to inspire.
Looking ahead, Stephanie will keep cheering from the stands—whether at T-Mobile Park, college volleyball matches, or Todd Jr.’s games—while running the family business and supporting her community.
Her story reminds us that behind every sports superstar is often a dedicated parent who provides the unseen foundation for success.
Conclusion
Stephanie Raleigh may not seek the spotlight, but she is the heartbeat of one of baseball’s most inspiring families. Her honesty about the “Big Dumper” nickname, her unwavering support for all her children, and her commitment to small-town values make her a role model for sports moms everywhere.
Thank you, Stephanie, for raising not just a talented catcher, but a humble, hardworking young man Seattle fans are proud to call their own.
Follow Stephanie on Instagram @steph_raleigh for more family glimpses. Which baseball mom moment inspires you most? Share in the comments below!
READ ALSO: Cal Raleigh Net worth, Age, Partner, Family, Facts & More
FAQS
1. Who is Stephanie Raleigh?
Stephanie Raleigh is the mother of Seattle Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh. She is a former three-sport athlete, Western Carolina University graduate, and co-owner of Print Shak in Sylva, NC.
2. What is Stephanie Raleigh’s maiden name and education?
Her maiden name is Deitz. She attended Sylva-Webster High School and graduated from Western Carolina University.
3. What does Stephanie Raleigh do for a living?
She co-owns and operates Print Shak, a printing business in Sylva, North Carolina, specializing in T-shirts, banners, signs, and decals.
4. What did Stephanie Raleigh say about the “Big Dumper” nickname?
In a 2025 sideline interview, she laughed and said, “It stinks! … I’ll roll with it. He’s accepted it, so I’m good with it too. I won’t say I love it though.”
5. How many children does Stephanie Raleigh have?
Four: Cal (Mariners catcher), Todd Jr. (“T”), Emma Grace (dentist and former volleyball player), and Carley (college volleyball player).
6. Where is Stephanie Raleigh from?
She is from the Cullowhee/Sylva area in Western North Carolina.
7. Is Stephanie Raleigh on social media?
Yes, primarily on Instagram as @steph_raleigh, where she shares family moments.
8. What sports did Stephanie Raleigh play?
Basketball, volleyball, and track at Sylva-Webster High School.
9. How did Stephanie support Cal Raleigh’s baseball career?
She provided emotional support, managed family logistics, attended games, and helped maintain balance while Todd handled technical coaching. She was present for his debut and major milestones.
10. What is the Raleigh family printing business called? Print Shak,
located in Sylva, North Carolina.
