Giancarlo Stanton is now the Marlins’ all-time leader in home runs
It took a little over five seasons, but Giancarlo Stanton is now the Miami Marlins’ all-time home run leader. The 25-year-old slugger set the record in the first inning of Thursday’s game against the New York Mets.
With Christian Yelich on first, Stanton worked an eight-pitch at-bat against Dillon Gee. On the final pitch, Stanton clobbered a 91 mph fastball out to right center for the two-run shot.
With the shot, Stanton passed Dan Uggla on the team’s all-time home run list. Stanton now has hit 155 career home runs, all of which have come as a member of the Marlins.
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The low figure home run total says a little about the Marlins brief history as a franchise, but also about the team’s willingness to trade away their young stars. After Uggla, the all-time home run list contains Hanley Ramirez, Mike Lowell and Miguel Cabrera.
Following the game, Stanton wasn’t willing to bask in the glory of his accomplishment, according to MLB.com.
“Enjoy it later,” Stanton said. “Three-and-seven [Miami’s record] is the only record I know right now. Enjoy those when it’s time for that.”
Despite that, Stanton did say it was cool to be one of the 30 players to lead a franchise in home runs. While he wasn’t able to retreive the ball after the game, he’s hoping to receive it soon.
Manager Mike Redmond was more than willing to heap praise on his young outfielder.
“What he’s been able to do in just a short number of years is just amazing,” manager Mike Redmond said. “He means so much to this ballclub. He’s such a great teammate. It’s fun to watch him go up there and hit. You know you’ve got a chance every time he’s up there. I know that was a big relief for him to hit that home run. It not only gave us a lead, it helped relax him, too.”
Despite Stanton’s historic shot, the Marlins dropped the game 7-5. Stanton finished 2 for 3, with two runs scored, two RBI and a walk.
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Though the Marlins’ current all-time home run total is small, Stanton should have plenty of opportunities to add to it. After signing a 13-year, $325 million deal in the offseason, Stanton is on his way to becoming one of the few Marlins to stay with the club over the duration of his career.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
