In Photos: Giancarlo Stanton brings big-league magic to youngsters at MLB elite program in Puerto Rico

Giancarlo Stanton, born in Los Angeles with Puerto Rican heritage from his mother's side, attended an MLB Playball event on Sunday afternoon at Estadio Hiram Bithorn in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Over 230 children had the chance to have fun and learn from former NL MVP and five-time All-Star.

In the 90-minute clinic, the Yankees' hitter helped kids at five stations including baserunning, hitting off a tee, slugging, throwing and catching. Stanton dedicated time to each station, and a few participants even got to take some throws from him.

Stanton also signed autographs, hats and T-shirts, while sharing valuable baseball tips and advice with the kids in attendance.

“I only came here to have fun,” Stanton said. “So we’re going to have fun. That’s mandatory.”

“It’s part of my bloodline,” Stanton said. “It’s part of my history. I thought it was really important to be able to bring [a Play Ball clinic] here and just enjoy the beautiful country and explore everything I can in between.”

Assistant director of the MLB Development Program in Puerto Rico thanks Giancarlo Stanton

Over 200 Play Ball events are taking place in Puerto Rico, aiming to provide kids with access to bat-and-ball sports without financial burden.

Having a big league star participate helps kids realize these athletes are not just myths on TV; they come from similar humble beginnings.

Edwin Rodríguez, the assistant director of the MLB Development Program in Puerto Rico, thanked Giancarlo Stanton for fulfilling the wishes of many kids who idolize him.

“These are moments that these kids are never going to forget,” Rodríguez said. “In these formative years, when someone like Giancarlo Stanton shows up and talks to them and shakes their hand, it’s really important for them, not only for their sports careers but also for their lives.”

“It’s really important that they see that he’s human and not just someone who’s only on television. When they hear Stanton speak -- and he’s a very intelligent person -- he’ll know the right things to say. He knows what they’re going through right now. I think that maybe even two or three words from Stanton will resonate with these kids for the rest of their lives.”

Stanton had a great year with the Yankees, earning the title of ALCS MVP. However, his pursuit of his first World Series title fell short as his bat went cold in the Fall Classic. The Yankees were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.