Jacinta Garay is a name that many may not immediately recognize, but her legacy is forever tied to the life of her son, Giancarlo Stanton, one of Major League Baseball’s most feared hitters. While Giancarlo has earned fame and recognition for his accomplishments on the field, his journey started long before he donned a New York Yankees uniform. It was Jacinta, his mother, who, along with his father, played a significant role in shaping him into the athlete he is today.
Early Life and Background
Jacinta Garay was born and raised in the United States, but much about her early life remains largely private. She was a hardworking and dedicated individual, known for her professional role in the United States Postal Service. Though her personal life has often stayed out of the spotlight, some details have surfaced through interviews and reports, offering a glimpse into the woman behind Giancarlo’s success.
Jacinta graduated from Oakland University, which provided her with the foundation to navigate her career in public service. During her marriage to Mike Stanton, Giancarlo’s father, Jacinta juggled her professional responsibilities with raising her children, ensuring they had the support and stability they needed in a competitive and ever-changing world.
Family Life and Influence on Giancarlo Stanton
Jacinta married Mike Stanton, a man whose own love for baseball deeply impacted their son. Together, they raised Giancarlo and his siblings in Tujunga, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. This was where Giancarlo’s journey in sports began, a journey that would later lead him to become one of the most recognized names in professional baseball.
When Giancarlo was just eight years old, Jacinta and Mike divorced. While this event undoubtedly had a lasting effect on the family, Jacinta, as a dedicated mother, continued to provide love and support for her children. She balanced her demanding job at the U.S. Postal Service with being a nurturing presence in their lives.
Despite the changes in their family dynamic, Jacinta remained deeply involved in her son’s life and development. It is clear from various accounts that Giancarlo and his mother shared a close bond, one built on respect and love. She always made sure to support his aspirations, even as he began to take his first steps into the world of sports.
Raising a Star: A Mother’s Support
Giancarlo Stanton’s success in baseball can be attributed to a combination of his natural talent and the support system that his parents provided. His father, Mike Stanton, played a pivotal role in his early development as a baseball player. Mike took his son to countless games and even set up batting practice sessions at a field near their home. But Jacinta’s role was just as crucial. As a mother, she provided the emotional stability Giancarlo needed to pursue his dreams.
In a 2018 interview with The New York Times, Jacinta revealed a fascinating story about Giancarlo’s childhood: her son didn’t like his name when he was younger because his schoolmates mocked him for it. This was something that many children can relate to — the desire to fit in and avoid standing out. However, as Giancarlo grew older, he came to embrace the uniqueness of his name. In his own words, “You’ve got something unique, you don’t run from it, you embrace it.” Giancarlo’s ability to turn a potential source of discomfort into a source of pride speaks volumes about the confidence and resilience that Jacinta helped instill in him from a young age.
A Balanced Approach to Parenting
Jacinta’s influence on her son’s personality and values went beyond sports. She was a mother who believed in discipline, perseverance, and self-respect. In her interviews, she expressed a belief in raising her children with a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. Giancarlo, growing up with both parents working full-time jobs, learned early on to respect hard work and the value of time. Jacinta was a strong force in making sure her children knew the importance of pursuing their passions while maintaining a grounded perspective on life.
Her support for Giancarlo’s aspirations extended beyond just his interest in baseball. Giancarlo often reflects on how his mother was the one who encouraged him to pursue his love for sports, not just as a hobby but as a potential career. With Jacinta’s belief in his abilities, Giancarlo felt a sense of assurance that helped him take the next steps toward professional baseball.
Giancarlo Stanton: A Legacy in the Making
Giancarlo Stanton’s career in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the then-Florida Marlins in 2007. After making his MLB debut in 2010, he became a force to be reckoned with. He was an All-Star multiple times, won the NL MVP in 2017, and became one of the most powerful hitters in baseball. While his father, Mike, had a direct hand in his baseball training, Jacinta’s role remained important in providing the emotional backbone that enabled Giancarlo to thrive.
As Giancarlo’s career evolved, Jacinta continued to stay in the background, quietly supporting him from behind the scenes. Her influence is apparent in the way Giancarlo speaks about his upbringing and his family. He attributes much of his personal success to the values instilled in him by his mother. Through Jacinta’s guidance, Giancarlo learned that his true strength lay not just in his physical abilities but in his mental resilience — something that has kept him at the top of his game despite setbacks and injuries.
Life After Baseball: Jacinta’s Role
While Giancarlo’s baseball career is still flourishing as of 2025, Jacinta’s life has evolved along with it. She remains an important part of Giancarlo’s support system, attending games and offering her insights when needed. However, she has continued her own journey, maintaining her professional life in the U.S. Postal Service and staying true to the values of hard work and dedication that she instilled in her children.
Jacinta’s story is one of perseverance, strength, and love. While her name may not be as well-known as her son’s, it is clear that her impact on his life is immeasurable. She played a significant role in shaping Giancarlo into the person he is today, offering him unwavering support and encouragement. Through her sacrifices and dedication, she helped lay the foundation for her son’s success, not just as an athlete but as a person.
Conclusion
Jacinta Garay’s life may not be filled with the same headlines and spotlight as her son’s, but her role in his success is undeniable. As a mother, professional, and guiding figure, Jacinta provided the balance of discipline, love, and emotional support that helped Giancarlo become the star he is today. Giancarlo may be the face of Major League Baseball, but it is Jacinta’s quiet influence that remains a significant part of his journey. Through the sacrifices and teachings of his mother, Giancarlo Stanton has not only excelled on the baseball field but has also embraced the values that she worked hard to instill in him, values that have shaped him into a successful and grounded individual.
FAQs
1. Who is Jacinta Garay?
Jacinta Garay is the mother of MLB star Giancarlo Stanton. She worked at the U.S. Postal Service and supported her son’s career from a young age.
2. What role did Jacinta Garay play in Giancarlo Stanton’s career?
Jacinta provided emotional support and guidance, helping instill discipline and resilience in Giancarlo, contributing to his success both on and off the field.
3. Did Jacinta Garay and Mike Stanton stay married?
No, Jacinta Garay and Mike Stanton divorced when Giancarlo was eight years old, but they both remained involved in his upbringing.
4. Where did Jacinta Garay raise Giancarlo Stanton?
Jacinta and her family raised Giancarlo in Tujunga, Los Angeles, California, where his love for baseball began.
5. What did Giancarlo Stanton think of his name as a child?
Giancarlo Stanton didn’t like his unique name as a child due to teasing but later embraced it as part of his identity.
