Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton is on pace to hit 60 home runs this season. If he finishes the season with that number, he would be 13 behind single-season record holder Barry Bonds who hit 73 in 2001, and tied for eighth on the all-time list.
At least that’s where he’d be in the record books. Some may argue that his 60 would actually be the second best single-season home run total, as every player who’s hit more than Roger Maris’ 61, has faced allegations of PED use during their career.
Stanton was asked if he considers “61” the legitimate record on Wednesday evening. He confirmed that part of him does.
“Considering some things, I do,’’ he told the Sun Sentinel. “But at the same time it doesn’t matter. The record is the record. But, personally, I do (think 61 is the record).
“You grow up watching (the movie) ‘Sandlot,’” he said. “You grow up watching those films of Babe Ruth and (Mickey) Mantle and these guys and 61 always been that printed number as a kid.”
Following this statement, perhaps knowing it was going to make waves, Stanton reportedly attempted to clarify his comments, admitting that he’s at a “crossroads,” when trying to determine the legitimacy of those accused of PED use.
Stanton currently has 45 home runs this season with more than a month remaining. If he were to reach 60, he would be the first player to do so since Bonds and Sammy Sosa both did it in 2001. Interestingly, Bonds and Stanton shared a clubhouse last year, as Bonds served as the Marlins hitting coach. Now Barry is back with the Giants organization, and has yet to comment on the matter.
Regardless of if he reaches the milestone or not the Giants know what kind of power Stanton has. The right fielder went yard in the first two games of San Francisco’s three game series in Miami, including a towering shot off Madison Bumgarner.