It speaks to Raleigh’s strong sense of responsibility when it comes to the team’s successes and failures. He rarely takes credit in the good times but is quick to shoulder the blame in the struggles.
Still, Raleigh couldn’t say no to playing for the U.S.
“It’s a great opportunity, and you don’t get this chance very often,” he said.
He will be a part of a loaded team that is considered one of the favorites along with the Dominican Republic and Japan, the defending champion.
“The No. 1 goal is just winning the whole thing, trying to have the opportunity to do that,” Raleigh said. “There should be some tough teams.”
And there is an added benefit of participating. Learning from others.
“Honestly, just to be in that locker room with everybody,” he said. “There are so many great players and so many great baseball minds on the coaching staff. It’s really impressive the group that they put together. For me, I’ve only ever been around the Seattle Mariners and this spring training and this group. Sometimes it’s good to get your eyes on a different locker room, a different vibe. Maybe somebody does something differently. Maybe somebody does something better than what you do. Or maybe we do something really good that you want to continue.”
Raleigh gets to talk baseball with his peers and players he admired from afar. It’s an aspect of the game he relishes. If he learns even one thing from the experience that helps the Mariners to win the division for a second straight season, return to the playoffs and advance to the World Series, then the whole process will be a success.
Raleigh is excited to have teammate Gabe Speier on the team with him. He knows what the left-handed reliever has been through over the past few seasons and believes his selection was deserved.
“He’s one of the best left-handed relievers in the game,” Raleigh said. “He’s earned every bit of it. (Coming back) from a tough year and an injury, and to have the kind of year he had last year, it says a lot about his character.”
When Logan Gilbert finished his outing Sunday afternoon, he admitted to throwing two sinkers — a pitch that Raleigh prefers to not use — and had a few interesting moments from a fielding standpoint.
He knew Raleigh, his former roommate and constant critic, would be texting or calling.
“We get to play around when he leaves,” Gilbert said. “He’s not going to be happy with that. Last game, I threw one sinker. It was a strike, and I heard he rushed out of the hot tub furious. So, I threw two sinkers, two balls, and dove on the ground. He’s not gonna be happy.”