Beyond the Diamond: Mariners’ Cal Raleigh and Hannah Shimek Announce Summer Wedding in Intimate Pacific Northwest Ceremony
SEATTLE, WA – The powerful crack of a bat, the roar of a sold-out T-Mobile Park crowd, the game-winning hits that have cemented his legacy as “The Big Dumper”—for Cal Raleigh, these defining moments of his professional life are about to be joined by one more. The Seattle Mariners’ star catcher and his fiancée, Hannah Shimek, have officially announced their wedding date, setting this coming August for a celebration of love, partnership, and a life built together away from the stadium lights.
In an exclusive conversation with this outlet, the couple revealed they will exchange vows on August 18th in a private, outdoor ceremony overlooking the Puget Sound, surrounded by a tight-knit group of family and close friends. The announcement marks a new, deeply personal chapter for the couple, who have quietly built a strong foundation throughout the whirlwind of Raleigh’s burgeoning MLB career.
“The game demands everything from you—your focus, your time, your energy,” Raleigh shared, his demeanor noticeably softer than the intense concentration he exhibits behind the plate. “But from the beginning, Hannah has been my constant. She’s my safe haven. To finally have this date on the calendar, to be able to publicly commit to the person who has been my rock… it’s a feeling that’s hard to even put into words. It’s bigger than any home run.”
A Love Story Rooted in Real Life
While Raleigh is a household name across the Pacific Northwest, the couple’s relationship has been a masterclass in discretion and normalcy. Their story began not in the glare of a professional sports spotlight, but in the familiar comfort of their shared hometown roots. Both hailing from Florida, their paths crossed through mutual friends, creating a connection grounded in shared experiences and a common understanding of life away from the baseball diamond.
Shimek, a dedicated professional with a career in occupational therapy, has intentionally remained out of the public eye, focusing on her own passions and providing a stable, grounded presence in Raleigh’s often-chaotic world. Friends of the couple describe a partnership built on mutual respect, quiet support, and a shared love for their dogs, simple evenings at home, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest they now call home together.
“Everyone sees Cal the baseball player—the power, the intensity,” Shimek explained with a warm smile. “I’m so incredibly proud of that man. But I’ve also gotten to know the incredibly kind, funny, and genuine person he is when he comes home. Our life isn’t about the spotlight; it’s about partnership. It’s about being a team, whether he’s calling a perfect game or we’re just figuring out what to make for dinner.”
The Proposal: An Intimate Moment Amidst a Grueling Season
The path to this August date was paved with a proposal as thoughtful and personal as their relationship. Contrary to expectations of a grand, public gesture, Raleigh chose a moment of quiet intimacy during the 2023 offseason. After a particularly demanding year, he planned a secluded getaway to the San Juan Islands.
It was there, on a windswept, private beach at sunset, with no cameras or crowds, that Raleigh got down on one knee. The moment was a testament to their bond—a private promise made before the public announcement, reflecting their shared values of family and personal connection over public spectacle.
“I wanted it to be just about us,” Raleigh recalled. “No distractions, no noise. Just me and her, and the question that felt like the most important one of my life. Seeing her smile and saying ‘yes’ was the best moment of my life, full stop.”
Planning a “True to Them” Celebration
The upcoming wedding, planned for a picturesque estate on Bainbridge Island, is a direct reflection of the couple’s personalities. They have worked closely with a local wedding planner to craft an experience that is elegant yet deeply personal and relaxed.
The theme, which they describe as “Northwest Organic Elegance,” will incorporate natural wood, lush greenery, and a palette of deep greens and soft, creamy whites, mirroring the surrounding landscape. The ceremony itself will be officiated by a close family member, and the guest list is deliberately small, comprising fewer than 100 people.
“We wanted it to feel like a beautiful, elevated family gathering,” Shimek detailed. “It was important to us that every person there knows us and has been a part of our journey. We’re not just filling a room; we’re surrounding ourselves with our community.”
The reception will feature a menu highlighting Pacific Northwest cuisine, from freshly caught salmon to local wines and craft beers. In a nod to Raleigh’s profession—and his now-famous nickname—the couple will offer a custom “Big Dumper” doughnut wall as a late-night sweet treat for guests, a playful touch that has become a highly anticipated surprise.
Balancing Diamonds and Diamonds
The wedding planning process has, of course, unfolded against the backdrop of the relentless MLB schedule. Shimek has shouldered much of the day-to-day planning, with Raleigh fully involved in all major decisions during road trips and off-days.
“It’s been a lesson in teamwork, for sure,” Shimek laughed. “We’ve had cake-tasting sessions over FaceTime and reviewed floral arrangements in clubhouses. But it’s made it our project, our shared goal. It’s just another thing we’re tackling as a team.”
Teammates and Mariners management have been overwhelmingly supportive. While the details of the bachelor party are a closely guarded secret, sources close to the team hint that a celebration is being organized by the club’s tight-knit core of players.
“We’re all thrilled for Cal,” said Mariners manager Scott Servais. “You see the focus he has here, and it’s clear that having that stability and happiness at home is a huge part of his success. He’s found a great partner in Hannah, and the entire Mariners family is excited to celebrate with them.”
A New Chapter Awaits
As August 18th approaches, the anticipation for the Raleigh-Shimek wedding extends beyond the guest list. For fans, it’s a heartwarming glimpse into the life of a player who has given so much to the city. It’s a story that transcends sports—a reminder of the human connections that ground even our biggest stars.
For Cal Raleigh and Hannah Shimek, it is simply the beginning. After a brief honeymoon, Raleigh will rejoin the Mariners for the final push of the season. But now, he will return with a new title, a renewed sense of home, and the woman who has always been his biggest fan and most trusted teammate by his side.
“This is the foundation for everything else,” Raleigh said, his hand resting comfortably in Shimek’s. “The wins, the losses, the seasons—they all mean more when you have someone to share them with. I can’t wait to call her my wife.”
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