Tuesday marked the five-year anniversary of former Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton crushing a home run that cleared Dodger Stadium as it sailed over the pavilion in left field.
He became just the fourth player in MLB history to ever display such power. Prior to Stanton, Willie Stargell, who accomplished the feat twice (1969, 1973), Mike Piazza (1997) and Mark McGwire (1999) were the only players to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium.
However, the accomplishment carried more significance for the Southern California native. As Stanton shared Tuesday, not only did he grow up attending Los Angeles Dodgers games, he predicted one day hitting a home run that would clear the stadium.
I told my dad that night I’m going to hit one completely out of this stadium so I can see their reaction. He laughed & said now that would be something. I said you WATCH!
I hit 4 over the fence little league homers in my life at this point.— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) May 13, 2020
3 people had ever hit it out of this stadium & I have 4 homers so I’ll be the 4th was probably my logic 😂
Kids say some wild things but I was dead serious. I thought about it everytime I’d go there after that.— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) May 13, 2020
So since I didn’t see it land & i heard a buzz of cheering, I peaked to see if the ball got thrown back which usually sparks cheers. Then the realization Came around 3rd base of what I might’ve just done. I couldn’t believe it, just put my head down with that memory replaying
— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) May 13, 2020
So I hope there were friends , families, parent & child bonds that were there to enjoy that or any baseball experience as well!
Just an awesome moment in my timeline. & thinking about possibly playing with no fans for a bit makes me appreciate this even more.— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) May 13, 2020
Stanton’s majestic blast traveled an estimated 475 feet, and was so impressive that Scott Van Slyke didn’t turn around to give any sort of effort. However, that proved to be the only bright spot in the Marlins’ 11-1 loss as Dan Haren was roughed up for 11 hits and six runs in 4.1 innings.
Howie Kendrick and Andre Ethier each hit a home run and combined for nine of the Dodgers’ 21 hits in the game.
While it came in a losing effort, the homer nevertheless holds a special place in Stanton’s heart. After a series at Dodger Stadium in 2017, Stanton called it ‘the place that made me love baseball.’
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
