Sep 1, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
When I go to a baseball game I want to see a pitcher’s duel. Most people on the other hand want to see the ball sail deep into the stands and see that statue in the outfield light up, make some noises, and shoot out water. I’m all for home runs in baseball; I think it adds an excitement to the game for fans. They are especially great when it’s coming from your team. In 2014 the National League had one Home Run King and he played for our Miami Marlins. Today we bring you the new Moment #80 of The Greatest Moments in Marlins History: Giancarlo Stanton is named NL Home Run King!
In 2012 Stanton was 4 home runs shy of being called the NL Home Run King with 37. In 2014 that number would be all he needed to claim the title. Marlins fans had to wait until game 3 of the season when he played against the Colorado Rockies and blasted a 2 run shot in the 6th inning for his first home run of the season. Stanton continued sending balls out of parks as he had 4 mutli-homer games in 2014, hit a homer in 2 consecutive games 4 times, and had one 3 game streak where he hit a homer in each game. His last homer was on September 8th and tied the Club record for career home runs as Marlin with 154. Stanton was the undisputed Home Run King of the NL.
Stanton did miss the last 17 games of the season. If he played those last games who knows how many he would have hit. Maybe Gary Sheffield’s record of 42 would have fallen, maybe he would have been the MLB leader in home runs, and maybe he would have captured the record of all-time Marlins leader in home runs. What we do know is that 2015 Stanton will be a Marlin and the NL needs to watch out.