Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh just made history. Not only did he become the first catcher in Major League Baseball history to win the Home Run Derby, but he also did it with a nickname, Big Dumper that has been echoing across social media ever since. The name, originally inspired by Raleigh’s physique, has exploded in popularity. Fans have been creating custom jerseys with the nickname on the back. At this point his nickname might be more well-known than his real name. In a recent interview, when asked if he planned to trademark the nickname or start building a brand around it, Raleigh responded, “I’m just focused on the season.”

That’s a professional answer. With the playoffs around the corner and having signed a $105 million contract extension earlier in the year, keeping his head in the game makes sense. Focusing on the game does not mean he has to ignore his brand though. Raleigh can stay focused on baseball and wait until the offseason to work on his brand while still securing his trademark rights by filing a 1(b) trademark application.

A 1(b), or "intent-to-use" trademark application, is one of the most practical tools available to athletes, creators, and entrepreneurs. In simple terms, intent to use application is a filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) where the applicant declares a genuine intention to use the trademark in commerce in the near future, even though the mark is not yet being used. The best part? The person who files the application does not have to sell products or offer services right away. This means they can get a filing date earlier than a possible competitor. Ultimately the mark has priority over someone else’s if a legal conflict develops.

A person may claim use in commerce between the date they file their application and the date the USPTO examining attorney approves their mark for publication in the Trademark Official Gazette. Also, use in commerce may be claimed within the first six months after the date they were issued a Notice of Allowance (NOA), which is a notice indicating their mark has been “allowed” for registration (but has not yet registered). During this period, a Statement of Use is filed to claim use of the mark in commerce. The USPTO allows up to five six-month extensions to file a Statement of Use after a Notice of Allowance is issued. An applicant can have a maximum of three years (36 months) from the Notice of Allowance date to file the Statement of Use, provided they file the extension requests and pay the required fees. 

Raleigh is having a career-defining season, becoming the first catcher ever to win the Home Run Derby, leading the league in home runs, and currently holding the second-best odds for American League MVP. Moments like this do not come around often, and they create a window of peak visibility that every athlete should be ready to capitalize on. This is the perfect time to turn on-field success into off-field opportunity. With the surge of attention surrounding his nickname, there’s little doubt he could build a powerful and profitable brand from his name, image, and likeness.

Athletes work their entire careers to get in the spotlight, but the financial upside doesn’t stop with their contracts. The most marketable players in sports, from LeBron James to Shohei Ohtani, leveraged peak moments to launch or strengthen their personal brands, creating income streams that can far outlast their playing careers. By not taking steps to secure and develop his brand now, Raleigh could be leaving millions on the table. Trademarks, endorsements, licensing deals, and merchandise all start with owning the rights to your identity. Without that foundation, someone else can cash in on your moment while you get nothing.

If Raleigh filed a 1(b) for “Big Dumper” right after the Derby, he would not need to release anything or even have a business plan. He would have peace of mind knowing he had his priority date, and he can focus on the season. Now, with major outlets covering the nickname and fans eager for gear, the clock is ticking. Trademark squatters are real. Once they see value in a name, they file first and either try to sell it back or block the original owner from using it. If that happens, Raleigh could end up spending thousands of dollars or worse, losing the rights to his own nickname. Similar to any business, it starts with protecting your assets.

In sports, the best players prepare for the next pitch before it is thrown. Off the field, the principle is the same, anticipate the opportunities and protect your position before someone else takes it. Raleigh has already made history with his bat. A simple filing could make sure he owns the history he is creating with his name.

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