For fans of baseball, Giancarlo Stanton is a name that is synonymous with monstrous home runs. His knack for launching baseballs right into orbit has engulfed audiences in a whiff of awe for ages. But let’s be mindful that even the most dedicated observers were left scratching their heads on Wednesday night.
In what looked like an unbelievable feat, it wasn’t until his 15th season and a staggering 1,545th career game that Stanton finally connected for a home run against his former team. The Miami Marlins. This was a long-awaited blast. A solo shot in the 6th inning off Miami reliever Bryan Hoeing added the Marlins to the special list of 30 teams Stanton has victimized with a homer. “It’s pretty cool”.
Stanton joins the elite list, opening a new perspective
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Stanton remarked post-game when the New York Yankees lost to the Miami Marlins in a 5-2 loss, “You hear guys do it over the years and from when I was watching as a kid.” Stanton went about his first eight seasons terrorizing pitchers in Miami Park. Be it launching 267 home runs for the Marlins or establishing himself as one of the most feared hitters, pitchers were terrified. But there’s an irony here.
Giancarlo Stanton has officially hit a homer against all 30 MLB teams. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y1Sp69x1Vp
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 11, 2024
It took him 15 games against his former teammates to eventually connect for a homer that isn’t lost on anyone. This is an accomplishment that puts him in an elite group – the 15th active player to have homered against all 30 MLB teams. With that, he has joined this prestigious club adorned with superstars like Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the recently acquired J.D. Martinez of the New York Mets.
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However, Stanton’s long-awaited dinger against the Marlins transcends mere statistics. It rather poses an interesting question. Could this be a sign of a resurgent season for the slugger? Remember how dismaying 2023 was for him with a career-low on-base percentage (.695 OPS)? Not to mention his mere 24 home runs in 101 games.
A possible turning point for Giancarlo Stanton
One can say that there are reasons for optimism when one talks about the 34-year-old. He seems to be regaining his power stroke. Proof? His recent hot streak. His 1-for-3 showing with a walk against Miami in conjunction with three home runs in his last five games indicates that a transformation might be in the works.
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Read More: Giancarlo Stanton Past His Prime? Star Slugger’s Regular Season Disappointment Continues
Furthermore, there have been reports hinting that Stanton has entered the 2024 season with a renewed focus on health and fitness. Remember when he appeared noticeably slimmer when he came back for Spring Training? Whether it is this chance that led to increased bat speed and power production or not, one thing is for sure:. Stanton is onto something.