Stanton: HR sculpture at Marlins Park makes it seem like a circus

When the 2018 MLB season gets underway, New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton won't have to look at the home run sculpture at Marlins Park anymore. He hopes no one else will have to stare at it in the future, either.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Ben Reiter, the reigning NL MVP and former Marlin made no secret of how much he dislikes the seven-story piece of art.

"I can't stand that sculpture," Stanton said. "I never liked it. I hope (Derek) Jeter takes it down. He said he wants to. I hope he does. All it does is suggest that this place is a circus, and we're the main attraction.

"The circus is over now."

Marlins CEO Jeter reportedly spoke with Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez in January about getting rid of the $2.5-million sculpture, which is officially named "Homer" and unofficially earned the nickname the "Marlinator" in a contest.

The sculpture was designed by pop artist Red Grooms and was funded by a public art program. "Homer" technically belongs to the county and the Marlins would need approval to move it.