Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners’ “Big Dumper,” is impressing in MLB with his power hitting and skills, while also winning hearts with his girlfriend, former softball champion Hannah Shimek.
Together, they’ve become a beautiful couple, turning heads at high-profile events and charming fans with their chemistry.
Cal Raleigh, A Baseball Powerhouse, Meets Softball Star Hannah
Cal Raleigh, born on November 26, 1996, in Cullowhee, North Carolina, has made his place as one of MLB’s top catchers.
A switch-hitter with a knack for clutch performances, Raleigh made history in 2025 by becoming the first catcher to win the MLB Home Run Derby, smashing 18 home runs in the final round against Junior Caminero.
His season stats are nothing short of impressive: a .259/.376/.634 slash line, 82 RBI, 38 home runs (a Mariners record before the All-Star break), and even 10 stolen bases.
His selection as the American League’s starting catcher in the 2025 All-Star Game and his savvy use of the ABS challenge system further cemented his status as a baseball superstar.
Raleigh’s commitment to Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic only adds to his growing legacy.
But Cal isn’t the only athlete in this relationship.
Since 2023, he’s been dating Hannah Shimek, a former Southern Oregon University softball standout and two-time NAIA National Champion.
Born on April 18, 1999, in Seattle, Washington, to Michele and Tom Shimek, Hannah grew up with four siblings in a tight-knit family.
Her athletic journey began at Inglemoor High School, where she graduated in 2017, and then continued at Southern Oregon University.
There, she excelled as an infielder for the Raiders softball team while earning a degree in Business and Communications with a focus on marketing in 2021.
Hannah’s competitive spirit and work ethic shine through both on and off the field.
As a softball and baseball hitting instructor at BASE BY PROS in Lynnwood, Washington, she’s helping the next generation of athletes hone their skills.
Her passion for the game mirrors Cal’s, making them a true power couple in the world of sports.
Cal And Hannah’s Relationship First Caught Public Attention In 2024
When they stepped out together at the Mariners Care Foundation Summer Soirée, a glamorous event supporting community initiatives.
Their appearance at the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards ceremony in New York City later that year further showcased their bond, with the couple beaming as they celebrated Cal’s achievements.
In 2025, they turned heads again on the red carpet at the MLB All-Star Game, where Cal started as the American League catcher.
These high-profile moments have made them a fan favorite, though not without some chatter.
Social media buzzed after the All-Star Game, with some fans noting that Hannah appeared a bit uneasy in the spotlight.
Comments ranged from supportive to speculative, with a few suggesting she might not be comfortable with the attention that comes with dating an MLB star.
However, those close to the couple describe Hannah as grounded and confident, who simply adjusts to the public eye.
After all, transitioning from the softball diamond to the red carpet isn’t easy for anyone!
While Cal Dominates On The Baseball Field, Hannah Is Carving Out Her Own Path In The Professional World
After graduating from Southern Oregon University in 2021, she briefly worked at her alma mater before diving into the corporate world.
From 2021 to 2022, she served as a Recruiting Coordinator at Coinbase, followed by a stint at Fanatics in the same role.
In 2024, she spent seven months as a Recruiting Coordinator at Parker Remick, LLC.
Since May 2025, Hannah has been thriving as a Sales and Marketing Specialist at Cascade Sales in Kirkland, Washington.
Her Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification shows her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Hannah’s career shows her determination and ability to adapt.
Balancing her professional ambitions with her role as a hitting instructor shows her commitment to both her personal passions and her community.
Friends describe her as warm, hardworking, and fiercely supportive of Cal’s career, often cheering him on from the stands at T-Mobile Park.
What makes Cal and Hannah’s relationship so special is their shared love for sports and their mutual support.
Both understand the grind of being an athlete—the early mornings, the intense training, and the pressure to perform.
Whether it’s Hannah coaching young players or Cal launching home runs, they push each other to be their best.
Their appearances together, from charity events to award ceremonies, show a couple that’s not just in love but also in sync.
Fans have taken notice of their chemistry, with many praising their down-to-earth vibe.
As Cal prepares for the 2026 World Baseball Classic and continues to break records with the Mariners, Hannah is by his side, building her career and making a difference in her community.
While the spotlight can be intense, Cal Raleigh and Hannah Shimek are guiding it together, proving that love and ambition can hit a home run.
Whether they’re walking the red carpet or cheering each other on, this dynamic duo is just getting started.
Mariners fans and beyond will be watching, not just for Cal’s next big hit, but for the next chapter in their inspiring journey together.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Raleigh completed his degree in business entrepreneurship from FSU in December 2020.
- Raleigh attended Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, North Carolina.
- Raleigh was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 2018 MLB draft with the 90th overall pick.
