As Yankees’ star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton enters his second year in pinstripes, facing American League pitchers isn’t the only thing he has adapted to. Stanton is clearly more comfortable under the bright lights of New York; it was evident Tuesday night when he appeared at TAO Downtown to celebrate his DuJour Magazine cover release.
“You enjoy the opportunities you have [in New York],” Stanton explained to The Knockturnal of his decision to grace the magazine’s cover. “Especially the second year; getting used to last year and all that nonsense, it’s good to be settled in and ready to go for the year.”
While I didn’t ask him to elaborate on the “nonsense,” you could assume Stanton was referring to his trade situation last off season. The then-reigning National League MVP essentially forced current Miami Marlins President and former Yankee great Derek Jeter to deal the slugger to the Bronx.
Stanton still loves Miami; the DuJour cover was shot there and when I asked him if he was comfortable in that type of setting, he replied “Of course!” to a chorus of laughter. He initially thought I was referring to TAO, which he also happens to be a big fan of. After chatting with the press, Stanton walked downstairs and sat at a table with his girlfriend Chase Carter and DuJour Media founder, Jason Binn.
Binn told The Knockturnal he chose Stanton for the magazine’s cover because he “exudes” what the brand does, listing fashion, entertainment, lifestyle and sports – the latter of which Binn noted is a big part of DuJour’s business.
And as for Binn’s first thoughts when he saw the cover?
“Picture-perfect.”