Yankees’ Stanton in awe of ‘special’ homecoming with ALCS MVP crown
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Follow UsThe story of Giancarlo Stanton’s career has reached a climactic point, with only one chapter left to write. After 15 years in Major League Baseball, Stanton is finally set to compete in the World Series—every player’s ultimate dream. Adding to the moment’s weight, Stanton’s quest for a championship runs through the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team he adored growing up.
Speaking from Dodger Stadium on Thursday, Stanton expressed his gratitude for the chance to compete at the highest level, calling it the pinnacle of his career and the exact scenario he always imagined.
“It doesn’t get bigger than this in our sport,” the slugger said a day before the Yankees open their World Series at Dodger Stadium. “It’s everything you dream for in a matchup and everything you would want.”
His ties to Los Angeles are profound. He attended Verdugo Hills and Notre Dame high schools and grew up frequenting Dodgers games. His early baseball idols were legendary power hitters like Mark McGwire, Mike Piazza, Gary Sheffield, Ken Griffey Jr., and Barry Bonds.
Giancarlo Stanton’s power at Dodger Stadium has created some unforgettable highlights, including a massive home run on May 12, 2015, that sailed clear out of the ballpark, estimated at 475 feet. His success at Chavez Ravine continued when he won MVP honors at the 2022 All-Star Game. When asked about his standout performances there, Stanton—who leads active players with 429 career homers—credited his success to the California air he grew up with.
Stanton turns nostalgic
Reflecting on his childhood, Stanton shared memories of Dodger Stadium that fueled his baseball passion. He recalled the crack of bats echoing through an empty stadium during batting practice, learning to judge fly balls in the outfield, and experiencing the excitement of game day with ticket scalpers and concession snacks.
Stanton’s comfort at Dodger Stadium shows in his performance: in 25 career games there, he boasts a .309 batting average with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs, a testament to his knack for delivering in his hometown ballpark.
The slugger’s recent postseason performance has been equally impressive, no matter the city. In New York, Kansas City, and Cleveland, he has amassed five home runs, eleven RBIs, and a steady on-base presence, earning him the ALCS MVP title.
Yet, Stanton insists his focus is on the bigger picture. Since the Yankees clinched their first World Series berth in 15 years, he has repeatedly stressed that winning a championship is the only goal.
“My favorite moments here were probably the little things,” he told. “Going to batting practice, hearing the sound of the bat in the empty stadium. Going in the outfield to play catch is where I learned my big league depth perception. And arguing with the scalpers, trying to get a ticket and buy peanuts.”
Looking ahead, Stanton is focused on the present. After the Dodgers secured their World Series spot with a win over the Mets on Sunday, he turned off his phone to avoid the distractions of playing in his hometown during such a high-stakes series. “I got a few games to do well still,” he explained. “Can’t worry about the past.”
While keeping his focus, Stanton admits the personal significance of making his World Series debut at Dodger Stadium—the field where his dreams began. He describes this opportunity as the peak of his career, expressing gratitude for the unique chance to compete for a title in Los Angeles.
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