MIAMI (AP) Giancarlo Stanton sat in the back row during a news conference for All-Star Home Run Derby contestants, and when introduced he raised his hand to ensure everyone knew who he was.
The gracious gesture was unnecessary, given the growth of the Stanton brand leading up to Tuesday night’s All-Star Game.
The Miami Marlins slugger is in the starting lineup as the National League’s designated hitter. He went down swinging as the hometown favorite and defending champion in the Home Run Derby. And away from the ballpark, his profile is rising – literally.
Stanton towers over downtown, his mighty swing in silhouette on the side of a bayside skyscraper.