Mariners' Cal Raleigh understudy is already learning from the master

When it comes to professional athletes at the peak of their powers, others understandably want to learn from them in their own quest on the path to success, but this doesn't always go to plan. For example, Joe Montana had little time for Steve Young when they were both with the San Francisco 49ers, with the four-time Super Bowl champion having no interest in helping the quarterback who was his heir apparent.

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan often didn't want to make time for individuals to regularly pick his brain unless he thought they truly had what it took to strive for true greatness, which is why he made an exception with the late, great Kobe Bryant. Then you have Cal Raleigh with the Seattle Mariners, who is the very definition of being all about the team and the greater good.

The pride of the Mariners

No matter who you speak to within the Mariners organization — teammates, management, the front office, ownership — to a person they all say how much positive impact Raleigh has had on the ethos which has manifested itself throughout the franchise at every level. He's a true leader in every sense of the word when it comes to leaving no stone unturned in driving and helping everyone to do their best, in order to reach the ultimate goal of winning a World Series in Seattle.

As such, even though Luke Stevenson was drafted in the first round last year with the Mariners hoping he will eventually take over as the main catcher, Raleigh is still doing what he can to assist in his development. Look no further than this really cool moment, with last season's AL MVP runner up literally by Stevenson's side giving him pointers during catching drills:

Stevenson showed promise during his first year with the Mariners organization, batting .280 with a .860 OPS during 22 games in Single-A Modesto. He was quickly ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the farm system by MLB Pipeline, but will be the first to admit he still has plenty to work on including making more consistent contact with the ball.

This is the type of thing where Raleigh can come in and help with the 21-year-old's bat. How can you not learn something from a guy coming off just the 10th 60-homer season in Major League history?!?! (Plus, if someone as accomplished as Julio Rodríguez is willing to take hitting tips from the best catcher in the game, you sure as well better be willing to also listen to the man.)

Luke Stevenson can have it all with Cal Raleigh's help

The Mariners truly are fortunate to have Raleigh, who is extremely generous with his time in ways that don't just simply involve photo ops. He truly does care, as proven in the following exert from a recent story by ESPN's Buster Olney, when the catcher agreed to speak to a group of minor leaguers who had been invited to the club's high-performance camp.

"As the call began, Mariners general manager Justin Hollander introduced the catcher to the group, and Raleigh, the son of a college coach, talked about how being just average doesn't cut it. The Mariners are a really good team and headed for greatness, Raleigh plainly told the group -- he is generally understated and doesn't hector -- and embracing work like the high-performance camp is the very first step, as the players set expectations for themselves."

Buster Olney

There seems to be a general understanding that the Mariners have to outthink and outwork everyone else and Raleigh is at the heart of it all. SoDo Mojo's Tremayne Person wrote back in December about how Stevenson could become the Mariners' breakout prospect this coming season, but in any event, with Raleigh to lean on there's even more reason to believe that he will be a stud.