Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh ended a 0-for-38 hitless streak with a single against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night [1], [2].

The hit ended a slump that threatened to set a franchise-worst statistical mark and highlighted the mental toll of prolonged hitting droughts in professional baseball.

Raleigh had not recorded a hit since April 27, 2026 [1]. To break the cycle, he performed an unorthodox superstition ritual by taking a shower while wearing his full uniform. He said the act was intended to wash off the bad mojo before the game in Houston [1], [4].

The strategy appeared to work during the May 12, 2026, matchup [2]. Raleigh recorded a single, which was described as a souvenir, helping the Seattle Mariners secure a 10-2 victory over the Houston Astros [3].

Reports on the historical significance of the slump vary. One source said the 0-for-38 streak was the longest hitless streak in the league this year [1]. Another report said it was the longest single-season hitless streak since 2011 [4].

Baseball is a sport deeply rooted in superstition, and Raleigh's decision to soak his gear is a modern addition to a long history of player rituals. By avoiding a further slide, Raleigh prevented the streak from becoming a permanent historical outlier for the Mariners organization.

“Cal Raleigh ended a 0-for-38 hitless streak with a single against the Houston Astros.”

The incident underscores the psychological pressure athletes face during statistical anomalies. While showering in a uniform has no athletic impact, the ritual serves as a mental reset, allowing a player to break the psychological barrier of a long slump and return to baseline performance.