NEW YORK — Actress and stand-in comedy star Tiffany Haddish isn’t giving up on her longtime crush just yet. The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian took another playful shot at Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton during a recent television appearance. Six years after first declaring her interest, Haddish joked that the Yankees star has been dodging her calls.
The “Girls Trip” actress appeared on TODAY with host Jenna Bush Hager last week. During the chat, the conversation shifted to Haddish’s dating life, where she confessed she still has a soft spot for the Yankees designated hitter despite their complicated history.
“I’m also trying to get at Giancarlo Stanton, number 27 from the New York Yankees,” Haddish said on the show. “I noticed his phone number’s changed. He hasn’t been answering my calls.”
The lighthearted moment reignited attention on the years-long saga between Haddish and Stanton—a story that has evolved from public admiration to real-life meeting and now ongoing comedy material.
Comedy routine sparked initial public pursuit
Haddish first revealed her crush on Stanton during a 2019 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She said she took advice from musician John Mayer, who encouraged her to “claim” her dream man publicly to make it happen.
“I’ve been seeing him at baseball games, I’ve been seeing him on Instagram, I’ve been seeing him on Twitter, and I’ve been seeing him in my dreams a lot,” Haddish told Colbert.
When Colbert read Stanton’s stats—6-foot-6, 245 pounds—the audience erupted. “Yes, that’s what I’m talking about. Somebody to burp me!” she exclaimed, jokingly miming a baby being held. “I just want him to pick me up and go like this. It’s going to be okay, Tiffany,” she added, making the crowd roar with laughter.
That interview went viral across entertainment and sports media. Fans eagerly wondered if the Yankees outfielder would respond. Stanton, however, remained silent.
Birthday meeting led to unexpected friend zone
Later that year, Haddish finally met Stanton in person near her birthday, thanks to a mutual friend. She shared a photo of them together on social media, surprising fans who had hoped for a romantic update.
“It was so great to finally meet Giancarlo Stanton in person,” she wrote in the caption. “Thanks Dave Osokow for the great birthday gift, too bad he isn’t my type. But I am sure he will be a great friend, maybe we can play catch.”
The sudden shift from crush to friend zone stunned fans. After months of public admiration, Haddish seemed to move on without explanation. Neither she nor the Yankees slugger commented further about their meeting, leaving speculation to swirl online.
Billy Crystal interference led to better outcome
A separate encounter later in 2019 added another twist. Haddish revealed that actor Billy Crystal accidentally blocked her from approaching Stanton at a bat mitzvah.
“Billy was talking to the dude I was trying to lock in, holding him up,” Haddish said during a 2021 interview promoting the film Here Today.
Crystal confirmed the story, laughing as he recalled, “Well, the guy I was talking to was Giancarlo Stanton, who’s number 27 for the New York Yankees.”
Ironically, the missed opportunity turned out well for Haddish. While Crystal chatted with Stanton, rapper and actor Common struck up a conversation with her. “The man I’m with now, he got in my ear a little bit,” Haddish said. “So thanks, Billy.”
Haddish and Common met while filming The Kitchen in 2018 and later confirmed their relationship in 2020. They dated for about two years before parting ways.
Recent appearances show continued fascination
Haddish revived her Stanton jokes again in August 2025 while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live. Addressing pregnancy rumors, she humorously listed potential “baby daddies,” with Stanton making the list alongside Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Jason Momoa, and Pedro Pascal.
“Yankee player Giancarlo Stanton and Pedro Pascal also made the cut,” one report from the taping noted. Haddish joked about forming a “fantastic foursome” of celebrity crushes before asking viewers to participate.
“If you or someone you know wants to put a baby in me, please reach out on social media using the hashtag #PastramiMommy,” she quipped.
Her TODAY show remarks marked the latest chapter, suggesting she may have tried reaching Stanton again. “He hasn’t been answering my calls,” she repeated, drawing laughter from the studio audience and sparking fresh headlines about her playful pursuit.
Stanton maintains private personal life
MLB
Giancarlo Stanton has never publicly responded to Haddish’s comments. The Yankees designated hitter remains notoriously private about his personal life.
Over the years, he has been linked to several women, including model Chase Carter, actress Priscilla Quintana, and Asiana Jayd Hung-Barnes. More recently, reports connected him to model Mariana Santana, though Stanton has never confirmed any relationship.
Stanton, now 35, joined the Yankees in December 2017 in a blockbuster trade from the Miami Marlins. He brought with him a 13-year, $325 million contract extension signed in 2014.
His tenure with the Yankees has seen highs and lows, with multiple injuries slowing his early seasons. He missed significant time in 2019 and 2020 but has regained form when healthy.
In 2025, Stanton played 101 games, batting .233 with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs. Despite a lower average, his power numbers remain a consistent part of the Yankees offense. He also delivered key hits in the ALDS against Toronto, though the Yankees fell short once again.
Comedy career continues to flourish
Haddish’s career, meanwhile, continues to thrive. She won a Grammy Award in 2019 for Best Comedy Album with Black Mitzvah, becoming only the second Black woman after Whoopi Goldberg to win in that category. She had earlier earned an Emmy Award in 2017 for hosting Saturday Night Live.
Her latest project, Tiffany Haddish Goes Off, premiered November 13, 2025, on Peacock. The six-part docuseries follows Haddish and three childhood friends during a four-week trip across Africa, exploring themes of friendship, healing, and rediscovery.
“It made it the right time because we were all able to come together,” Haddish said of the series. “Our schedules aligned, the money aligned and it was time to go.”
Alongside her acting and producing work, Haddish continues touring with stand-up performances. Her candid storytelling and humor about her personal life—including the Stanton saga—remain central to her connection with audiences.
Stanton’s Yankees role face test
Stanton’s position as designated hitter remains secure, though changes could come in 2026.
His contract runs through 2028 with a full no-trade clause. He is set to earn $32 million in 2026, $29 million in 2027, and $25 million in 2028. The Yankees remain committed to his power bat despite the cost.
Whether Haddish’s phone calls ever get returned remains uncertain. Her humor continues to charm audiences, while Stanton stays focused on baseball. The saga between the comedian and the Yankees star endures as one of pop culture’s funniest ongoing flirtations.
The interview host asked whether she had thought about sharing a photo of a baby wearing a Yankees jersey with the number 27.
“I feel like nobody’s gonna get that but if it’s me and Giancarlo Stanton standing next to together, and I’m holding my belly and I’m like, ‘Cat’s in the bag!’” Haddish replied.
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