The Hot Corner With Caleb Cali

Caleb Cali was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 16th round of the 2023 MLB Draft from the University of Arkansas. Caleb started the 2024 season with the Modesto Nuts, the Seattle Mariners Low A minor league ball club. In just a little over a month Caleb absolutely smashed the ball, hitting .337/.443/.535 with an OPS of .978. For his efforts, he was named Minor League Player of the Month for the Seattle Mariners. Cali’s hard work paid off as he was promoted to Everett on May 15th to be the new starting 3rd baseman following Ben Williamson’s promotion to Arkansas. Seattle Sports Union was recently blessed with the opportunity to sit down with the latest rising star in the Seattle Mariners organization.

SSU: Welcome to the Everett AquaSox! Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. The first thing we want to know is how the transition to Everett went for you, Caleb. One month you’re playing with the Modesto Nuts and then, just like that, you are in beautiful Everett, Washington.
CC: Thanks for having me, I truly appreciate it! Yeah, the initial transition is pretty hectic. You get told by your Coach after a late-night game that you are being promoted, which is insane. After your nerves calm down from the excitement, you get everything packed up for the move up north. That is just how it plays out, I guess. Even though it was a crazy process to move from one place to another without really any notice, once I got here these guys have really taken me in. They have been awesome with me. I met most of them during spring training. This entire Seattle Mariners organization is built around a lot of good people. It’s a wonderful feeling and I am ecstatic at being a part of it.

Caleb Cali’s first hit with the AquaSox is good for two! Cali blasts one to left field and the Frogs now lead 7-0! pic.twitter.com/lL7G4Hho9W

— Everett AquaSox (@EverettAquaSox) May 23, 2024

SSU: Congratulations on your first hit the other day with the Everett AquaSox. It was a beautiful home run to left center that was hit with authority. Please tell us about it. How did it feel?
CC: It felt really good. I got off to a slow start here so it’s good to finally get that first one in. I know more are to come, but it feels great right now. There are things I wish I could have done better the past few games but I just keep trying to put my head down and keep working. I can’t wait to watch the video later of the home run. It was even more special with the applause from the crowd and the greeting from my fellow teammates in the dugout. It was a moment I will always cherish.

SSU: Where were you born?
CC: I was born in Milwaukee. Most of my extended family is from up there, my parents included. I moved at a young age. My Dad was in the army when I was first born. We moved to Kentucky for a year and then to Arizona for eight years. After Arizona, we moved to Florida and stayed there to this day.

SSU: When did you start playing baseball and where did you go to high school?
CC: Honestly, I couldn’t tell you when I started- probably as young as anyone is allowed to play baseball. It's the first sport I picked up and fell in love with. I picked up a baseball when I was a small kid and have never put it down. As for high school, I went to Lake Mineola for the first half of my high school years and I finished up at Montverde Academy.

SSU: Have you always played infield or were there other positions you played growing up?
CC: Always an infielder. I love playing on the dirt and that is where I hope to stay.

SSU: Growing up, I’m sure you've had many special moments on the baseball diamond. Is there a particular moment, perhaps playing in high school, you would care to share?
CC: Throughout my high school career, I don't think I could just tell you a specific game, but my junior year at Montverde Academy, we had a pretty special group of guys. We ended up going 25-0 and went undefeated. What a really fun year it was.

SSU: Would you consider yourself a power hitter?
CC: I also don't consider myself a contact hitter either. I really just want to be considered a hitter in general. I want to do all the things right at the plate- not just be known for one aspect. I want to do them all.

SSU: Where did you go to college?
CC: I started out at Florida State my freshman year in 2020. As we all know, COVID hit the world in 2020. After my freshman year, I went to Hillsborough CC in 2021. In 2022, I attended the College of Central Florida and for my final year I attended the University of Arkansas.

SSU: Would you mind sharing a favorite college baseball moment with us? It can be at any of the colleges that you attended
CC: There are many moments I could share with you but in particular I enjoyed my time at Arkansas. Last year we won the SEC. It was an incredible year, with a great bunch of guys. I loved every single moment from start to finish.

SSU: Where were you on draft day last summer when the Seattle Mariners called your name? Were you surprised?
CC: I was at home with my little brother, actually. It was day three of the draft so we were kind of skeptical. It wasn't a surprise to be drafted but I didn’t want to get myself worked up over it either. I'd done enough stress that year. After the first two days of the MLB draft, I told myself mentally I was going to kind of just sit back and put whatever happens in God's hands. In round 16, the Seattle Mariners chose me and when I heard that, I knew this was God’s plan for me.

SSU: Had you had any contact with the Seattle Mariners before then? Did you know that they were interested in you?
CC: They had reached out to me. The scout who had been watching me play at Arkansas had reached out to me saying that there was real interest on their side. Other than that, there wasn't much interest, or it at least seemed that way.

SSU: What was it like playing down in Modesto?
CC: Playing in Modesto was awesome. They had a great staff, great group of guys, and the organization from top to bottom was superb! The talent was off the charts but so the talent up here. I am truly blessed to be a part of the Seattle Mariners organization and I can't stress that enough.

SSU: What was your reaction coming to the city of Everett, Washington?
CC: The city of Everett is beautiful when the sun is out. When it's cold and rainy, I don't know- there's not many positive things I guess I could say, but I will adjust and get used to it. I am looking forward to the summertime up here in Everett.

SSU: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up? Do you have a current favorite ballplayer now?
CC: My favorite baseball player growing up was Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers. He had that little mishap at the end of his career, but we all make mistakes. He was an amazing baseball player and an even better role model. Being born in Milwaukee, it was a big deal for me to root for them and Ryan Braun was who I enjoyed the most. I don't have a favorite baseball player right now. I just enjoy watching a lot of guys who are really good at this game play it at a high level.

SSU: Are you a Green Bay Packer fan and do you see yourself becoming a Seattle Seahawks fan?
CC: Oh yeah. Big time! The Packers are my team. My Family and I are Green Bay Packers for life. Of course, I will become a Seahawks fan. Gotta represent, you know. As long as they're not playing the Packers though!

SSU: What do you want to do in 20 years when your playing career is over?
CC: I think I'd just like to kick my feet up on a beach somewhere and just hang out with people I love. Of course, I want a family and everything that comes with that. You know, not trying to look too far ahead, obviously. I'm looking forward to all that stuff- growing up and everything like that.

SSU: Who is playing the role of Caleb Cali in your Hollywood Movie?
CC: Honestly, I have no idea. I'm terrible when it comes to actors names and movies.

SSU: That is totally fine. We are going to pick one for you if that is okay. We're going to say Matthew McConaughey.
CC: Matthew McConaughey? Okay. Alright, sure. Alright, alright, alright. Yeah, I mean, that's a good name to be- that's a good name to be associated with. I'll take that.
*
SSU: Awesome! Then Matthew it is! Do you have a favorite hobby other than baseball that you like to do in your free time?*
CC: I like to golf. That's the main thing I do when I am not hanging out with my friends. I shoot anywhere from 85 to 95- somewhere in that range. I love to golf. I don’t have a handicap because I don’t keep track.

SSU: A little known fact- your Manager, Ryan Scott, loves to golf and is great at it. Maybe one day you will get to go golfing with him perhaps?
CC: I've heard some stories and I've talked to him a little bit about it. I would love to get out there and play a round with Coach Ryan.

SSU: Final question! We truly appreciate the time you took to talk with us Caleb. The younger generation wanted me to ask what's your favorite ice cream?
CC: Great question. There are a few flavors that I really like. I kind of have a sweet tooth sometimes. I’d probably go with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. I might also add a little bit of Reese’s Cups in there as well.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shari Sommerfeld

ABOUT SEATTLE SPORTS UNION: SSU is a group of passionate fans following teams in the Seattle area. Their podcast involves interviews with local sports figures and commentary. Podcasts can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Youtube, you can also find them on the web at seattlesportsunion.com

ABOUT THE EVERETT AQUASOX: The Everett AquaSox are the High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Everett is a member of the Northwest League and has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the AquaSox moniker in 1995. For updates on the 2024 season, community initiatives and Webbly appearances follow the Frogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or visit our website, AquaSox.com. Season tickets, ticket plans, group outings, and picnics outings can be purchased by calling (425) 258-3673 or visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway.