Giancarlo Stanton channels ‘Mr. October’ with record-breaking homer, boosts Yankees in World Series opener
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Follow UsGiancarlo Stanton is building his case as a modern-day “Mr. October.” In Game 1 of the World Series, with the Yankees down 1-0 after Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández broke the ice, Stanton stepped up in the sixth inning, delivering a towering home run—his fourth of the postseason and 17th of the year—putting the Yankees ahead 2-1.
The ball hung in the air for a remarkable 6.54 seconds, setting a record for the longest airborne time by any Yankees postseason homer at Dodger Stadium. It was Stanton’s way of reminding fans why, in October, he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
After his homer, the Yankees extended their lead to 3-2 and carried it into the tenth. But Freddie Freeman’s walk-off home run ultimately sealed a 6-3 Dodgers victory, dealing the Yankees a tough loss in the World Series opener.
Giancarlo Stanton’s October power surge revives Yankees’ hopes
October has always seemed made for Giancarlo Stanton’s kind of power, though in recent years, more attention has centered on his vulnerabilities. Last year, Yankees GM Brian Cashman acknowledged Stanton’s injury history in a rare display of candor, admitting, “We try to limit the time he misses, but I’m not going to say he’ll play every game next year because he won’t. He’ll probably get hurt again, more likely than not; it’s part of his game.”
Cashman’s bluntness caught attention, but it underscored the reality of Stanton’s career—a career marred by nearly every lower-body injury imaginable. Yet, even as these setbacks have reshaped his role, his defining trait remains unchanged: Stanton’s raw power.
“His bat speed is unreal,” said Yankees assistant hitting coach Casey Dykes. “It’s the best in the world. That’s where his power comes from.” Since Statcast began tracking exit velocity in 2015, Stanton has consistently ranked among the elite, and new 2024 bat-tracking technology only confirms what’s been clear: Stanton’s bat speed, at 34, averages an astonishing 81.2 mph. This consistency speaks to Stanton’s dedication to training, allowing him to remain one of the game’s premier power hitters.
Over the years, Giancarlo Stanton has adjusted his batting stance to preserve his edge, going from wide-open to more neutral. “I’m always adjusting,” he explained, reflecting on the evolution of his approach. “You want to keep up long-term, and yeah, I’ve lost some hair and picked up a few grays… but that’s the game.” While injuries have taken a toll on his baserunning and defense, Stanton’s dedication to his core strength has allowed him to remain a crucial postseason player.
His ALCS performance against Cleveland—where he hit four home runs in five games and earned MVP honors—further proved that his success isn’t just about sheer power, but about preparation. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Giancarlo Stanton’s commitment to studying opposing pitchers, a habit that has helped him find postseason success.
“His focus and preparation are exceptional,” Boone noted. Stanton echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of planning at the plate. “You’ve got to do your homework, come up with a plan, and execute it,” he said. “But in the end, you know your swing best, so staying true to your process is key.”
Stanton’s preparation goes beyond scouting pitchers; it extends to adapting to different stadiums. Before Games 3-5 of the ALCS in Cleveland, he and Aaron Judge arrived early to work on timing and depth perception in the new environment. “Locking in the background, the depth perception,” Stanton said after the Yankees clinched the AL pennant in Game 5. “Being ready from the first pitch—sometimes that can be the difference.”
For Giancarlo Stanton, October has always been the ultimate stage. Though sluggers like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are now celebrated for their power, both took time to develop into consistent home run hitters. Stanton’s rise was immediate: in his first full professional season, he led Low-A’s South Atlantic League with 39 home runs, and he reached the majors at 20, where he quickly made an impact with a grand slam in his rookie year. Now, with 429 career homers, Giancarlo Stanton leads all active players in home runs, standing as a testament to his sustained power.
But milestones aren’t the focus for Giancarlo Stanton this October. He’s after the Yankees’ 28th title, and with every crucial swing, he’s showing that his latest postseason surge isn’t just about raw strength—it’s about resilience, preparation, and a fierce determination to help his team win. This October, Stanton may not have the official title, but he’s proving he can embody “Mr. October” for a new Yankees generation.
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