LOS ANGELES — All that’s left to write about is the fairytale ending.
Otherwise, Giancarlo Stanton could not have written a better script.
In his 15th year in the major leagues, he finally reached the pinnacle of appearing in the World Series for the first time. And the team that stands in his way is the mighty Dodgers, the team he has supported since he was a child.
Giancarlo Stanton is ready for the World Series with the Yankees. Jason Zens/New York Post
“There’s nothing bigger than this in our sport,” Stanton said Thursday at Dodger Stadium. “It’s everything you dream of in a matchup, it’s everything you want.”
The hard-hitting designated hitter attended nearby Verdugo Hills High School and Notre Dame High School, and frequently attended Dodger games as a child.
He looked up to many power hitters, from Mark McGwire, Mike Piazza and Gary Sheffield to Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds.
“My favorite moments here were probably the little things,” Stanton recalls. “When I went to batting practice, I heard the sound of bats in an empty stadium. By going out to the outfield and playing catch, I learned to appreciate the depth of the major leagues. And then I got into an argument with a scalper and got a ticket. and tried to buy peanuts.”
He certainly looked comfortable in his hometown.
Stanton appeared in 25 games during his career at Dodger Stadium, hitting 10 home runs, 26 RBIs, and a .309 batting average.
Giancarlo Stanton was a catalyst for the Yankees in the ALCS. Jason Suzens/New York Post
One of the home runs, hit on May 12, 2015, flew completely off the field at an estimated height of 475 feet.
He was also named MVP of the 2022 All-Star Game at Chavez Ravine.
“That Cali atmosphere, man,” said Stanton, baseball’s current home run leader with 429 long balls, with a smile. “I grew up with it.”
He’s been hit in all climates this month.
In New York, Kansas City, and Cleveland, Stanton was an offensive lineman, racking up five home runs and 11 RBIs, making big hits and getting on base frequently.
Giancarlo Stanton celebrates Yankees’ ALCS win. Jason Suzens/New York Post
He was the ALCS MVP.
However, this is not the goal.
Since the Yankees advanced to the Fall Classic for the first time in 15 years last Saturday, Stanton has said several times that he’s here to win it all.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the Yankees in the postseason.
“We still have some games that go well,” Stanton said. “There’s no use worrying about the past.”
When the series became official and the Dodgers defeated the Mets on Sunday night, Stanton said he turned off his cell phone.
He didn’t want the distractions that come with returning home on such a big stage.
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton interviews the media during media day on the eve of the 2024 MLB World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Jason Zenes/New York Post
I’m still on a business trip.
But he also hasn’t forgotten the fact that he’ll be making his World Series debut Friday night at the stadium he used to frequent as a kid.
“Being here means everything,” he said. “This is the best time I’ve ever had” [playing baseball]And it’s certainly a special time to be here. ”
