Marlins Flashback: "Welcome to The Show, Mike Stanton!"

After smashing his way through the minors the past several seasons, Marlins top prospect Mike Stanton made his major league debut on June 8, 2010. He produced immediately, going 3-for-5 with two singles and two runs scored.

At the time, he was the third-youngest player in franchise history:

• Edgar Renteria (19 years, 276 days)
• Miguel Cabrera (20 years, 67 days)
• Mike Stanton (20 years, 212 days)

But the real anticipation was building for his first home run. Stanton had been rumored to be one of the most powerful players that scouts had ever seen. Would that skill translate to the highest level?

June 18, 2010—Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

For Stanton’s ninth game, the Marlins were facing the Rays at Sun Life Stadium. Bottom of the first, two outs and the bases were loaded. Stanton worked his way to a full count, putting Rays starter Matt Garza on the verge of disaster, but also one quality pitch away from escaping further damage. The rookie had been slumping recently, following up that three-hit debut with only four total hits since then, slashing .226/.294/.323 overall.

However, Stanton proved he could punish a mistake. Garza fired a high fastball right down the middle and Stanton let it rip deeeeeeeeeeeeeeep into left field.

That’s right: his first career home run was also his first career grand slam in the majors:

“Welcome to The Show, Mike Stanton!” – Rich Waltz

Stanton joined Jeff Conine, Chuck Carr, Quilvio Veras, Craig Counsell, and Jeremy Hermida on the list of Marlins whose first homer came with the bases loaded.