Giancarlo or Mike? You Decide

The Florida Marlins thought it was time for a rebrand after the 2011 season. They ditched their nostalgic Marlin logo with shades of black and teal for a more modern look with bright orange, blue, and yellow. They also dropped the Marlin and exchanged it for just an “M”. Oh I almost forgot they didn’t want to continue to claim the entire state of Florida so they got a more centralized feel with Miami. 

Going into the 2012 season a new era of Marlins baseball had begun. Yet, that wasn’t the only name change going on in Miami at the time… 21 year old Mike Stanton was going into his 3rd MLB season when he thought to himself, ya know what I want everyone to see my true colors. What did he do? He publicly asked to be called Giancarlo, his actual first name. He’s now been in the league for 16 years for 14 of them being known as Giancarlo Stanton. The change from Giancarlo to Mike was originally because he just thought Mike was easier to pronounce, but after establishing himself in the league he felt more comfortable being Giancarlo.

A young Mike Stanton

Enough of the background. Using his career stats, the history of other MLB Mikes, and vibes I’m going to try and see if this name change has been worth it, or if he should’ve stuck with Mike all along. You’re probably wondering, how can you even figure out if his name change was worth it or not? To that I say, you’re about to find the fuck out…

Why Giancarlo works…

Giancarlo rakes

1. Facts don’t care about your feelings is how I beleive the saying goes. And the fact of the matter is that Giancarlo Stanton has been one of the best hitters in baseball over his career. Mike was a good ball player, the dude came in 23rd in the MVP voting in 2011. But Giancarlo is an MVP and a 5x all star. Oh yeah and he won the home run derby. I suggest watching those highlights from 2016. I can’t say for certain that he would’ve put these same numbers up as a Mike, I mean Mike Napoli never won an MVP… makes ya think. (but Mike Napoli has a ring, people forget)

   

   HRD Champ

Mike Trout

2.  If he stuck with Mike he would’ve automatically been the 2nd best Mike in the league for most of his career because of Mike Trout’s debut in 2011. Thats not a battle that Mike (Stanton) would’ve wanted to fight. Trout is a 5 tool guy, no 6 tool, he’s very coachable as well. 

   

   Deserves a ring

Sounds like a slugger

3. Giancarlo Stanton sounds like more of a prolific long baller then Mike Stanton does. Mike Stanton is an accountant, Giancarlo Stanton hits bombs. Some guys just have that name. Adam Dunn, slugger. Barry Bonds, dog. David Ortiz, Big Papi. Some guys are given a homeru hitting name at birth, credit to his mother.

Why Mike works…

“Mike” historical success

1. Mikes have had MLB success while there was never a Giancarlo before Giancarlo Stanton, so you can say that the name is unproven in the big leagues. I already mentioned Mike Trout but also Mike Piazza and the greatest Phillie of all time and best 3rd baseman of all time Michael Jack Schmidt. The “facts don’t care about your feelings” argument can go both ways, Mikes have won 11 World Series’ in MLB history, as for Giancarlos? Zilch. Zero. Goose egg. Going from a reliable name like Mike to Giancarlo is risky to say the least…

Goat 3B

Shit nickname 

2. Just saw on baseballreference.com, which is the most reliable site for athlete nicknames, that one of Giancarlo Stanton’s nicknames is “Parmigiancarlo” which I guess is a play on parmesan? That sucks and it never would’ve happened if he just stuck with Mike. He’d probably have a ring by now along with a couple extra MVPs and All Star Game MVPs. Maybe I’m nitpicking, but it's just not for me.

In my opinion the name change worked out for Mike. He's got the stats to back up any name you choose to call him. Dude just rakes. Just gotta see him get his ring before he hangs up the cleats. Hopefully not with the Yanks.