When discussing baseball legends, the spotlight often shines brightest on the players themselves. However, behind every extraordinary athlete stands a support system that shaped their journey. Jacinta Garay, the proud mother of New York Yankees superstar Giancarlo Stanton, represents the epitome of resilience, dedication, and unwavering maternal support that transformed a young boy from Panorama City into one of Major League Baseball’s most formidable power hitters.
This comprehensive profile explores the life, legacy, and lasting impact of Jacinta Garay—a woman whose story deserves recognition beyond her famous son’s shadow.
Who Is Jacinta Garay? Understanding Her Identity and Background
Jacinta Garay is far more than simply Giancarlo Stanton’s mother. She is a dedicated parent, former postal service employee, and the cultural foundation upon which her children built their successful lives.
Born on October 19, 1970, Jacinta Garay brought a rich tapestry of heritage to her family. Her Puerto Rican and African-American roots formed the cultural backbone that she instilled in her three children, teaching them pride in their diverse ancestry during a time when mixed-race identity often presented challenges.
As the mother of MLB star Giancarlo Stanton, Jacinta has maintained a dignified presence away from the media spotlight, embodying the quiet strength that characterizes truly influential parents. Her approach to motherhood prioritized substance over celebrity, focusing on values rather than visibility.
Quick Profile: Jacinta Garay at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Jacinta Garay |
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1970 |
| Current Age | 54 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnic Background | Puerto Rican and African-American |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Former Spouse | Mike Stanton |
| Children | Egidio Carlos Stanton, Giancarlo Stanton, Kyrice Stanton |
| Professional Background | Former U.S. Postal Service employee, Businesswoman |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 |
| Current Residence | United States |
| Recognition | Mother of New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton |
Jacinta Garay’s Early Life and Cultural Foundation
Jacinta Garay’s early life in the United States was shaped by her multicultural heritage. Growing up with Puerto Rican and African-American family members, she experienced firsthand the richness of diverse cultural traditions and the occasional challenges of navigating identity in America.
While specific details about Jacinta’s childhood and extended family remain private—a testament to her preference for discretion—the values she absorbed during her formative years became the guiding principles she later imparted to her own children.
The cultural pride she inherited wasn’t just abstract heritage; it was lived experience. This background became particularly significant when she named her youngest son Giancarlo, deliberately choosing a name that reflected uniqueness and cultural sophistication rather than conformity.
The Marriage Between Jacinta Garay and Mike Stanton
Jacinta Garay’s marriage to Mike Stanton brought together two different cultural backgrounds—her Puerto Rican and African-American heritage with Mike’s Irish descent. This union created a truly multicultural family environment that would significantly influence their children’s worldview.
The couple married in the late 1980s and together welcomed three children: Egidio Carlos Moacir Garay Stanton (born 1987), Giancarlo Cruz Michael Stanton (born November 8, 1989), and Kyrice Valivia Stanton (the youngest).
However, after approximately ten years of marriage, Jacinta and Mike Stanton divorced in 1997 when Giancarlo was just eight years old. This separation marked a pivotal transition in the family’s dynamics, particularly for young Giancarlo, who has spoken about how the divorce affected him during his childhood.
Despite the end of their marriage, both Jacinta Garay and Mike Stanton remained committed to co-parenting their children. They maintained involvement in their kids’ lives, supporting their dreams and ambitions in their respective ways. This collaborative approach to parenting, even after divorce, provided stability during what could have been a tumultuous period.
Jacinta Garay’s Career: The U.S. Postal Service Years
To provide for her family after the divorce, Jacinta Garay worked at the U.S. Postal Service. This career choice represented more than employment—it demonstrated her commitment to stability and her children’s welfare.
Working as a postal service employee, Jacinta embodied the American work ethic, showing her children the dignity of honest labor and the importance of reliability.
The postal service provided consistent income and benefits that allowed her to focus on what mattered most: raising three children as a primarily single mother.
Her career at the U.S. Postal Service lasted for many years, during which she balanced the demanding schedule of shift work with the equally demanding responsibilities of parenting. She attended games, managed household duties, and ensured her children had the support they needed to pursue their passions.
According to some sources, after retirement from the postal service, Jacinta Garay may have ventured into small business endeavors, though she has maintained privacy about her post-retirement activities.
Her estimated net worth of approximately $500,000 reflects years of prudent financial management and dedication to building security for herself and her family.
Raising Three Accomplished Children: Jacinta’s Parenting Philosophy
Perhaps Jacinta Garay’s greatest achievement lies not in any single accomplishment but in how she raised three successful children, each carving their own distinct path in life.
Egidio Carlos Stanton: The Academic
Egidio “E.G.” Moacir Garay Stanton, the oldest of Jacinta’s children, pursued an intellectual career path, becoming a political science professor at a college in California. His academic success demonstrates that Jacinta’s parenting encouraged intellectual curiosity and diverse career aspirations.
Giancarlo Stanton: The Baseball Phenomenon
Giancarlo Cruz Michael Stanton, the middle child and most publicly recognized of Jacinta’s children, became one of baseball’s most powerful hitters. His journey from the sandlots of Tujunga to Yankee Stadium represents not just athletic talent but the culmination of Jacinta’s unwavering support and belief in his abilities.
Kyrice Stanton: The Private Daughter
Kyrice Valivia Stanton, the youngest, has chosen to maintain a private life away from public scrutiny. Jacinta respected each child’s individual personality and choices, never forcing them into the spotlight simply because of their brother’s fame.
The Parenting Approach That Made the Difference
Jacinta Garay’s parenting style combined several key elements:
- Cultural pride: Teaching her children to embrace their Puerto Rican and African-American heritage
- Work ethic: Demonstrating through her own example the value of dedication and consistency
- Unconditional support: Attending games, recitals, and events regardless of her work schedule
- Individual respect: Allowing each child to develop their own interests and identity
- Emotional presence: Being available during challenging times, particularly during her divorce
- Educational emphasis: Valuing academic achievement alongside athletic pursuits
How Jacinta Garay Supported Giancarlo Stanton’s Baseball Dreams
Though Jacinta Garay had no background in professional sports, she recognized her son’s extraordinary talent early. Giancarlo Stanton showed athletic promise from childhood, and despite her limited knowledge of baseball’s technical aspects, Jacinta became his most steadfast supporter.
Early Recognition of Talent
Young Giancarlo’s passion for baseball was evident from his earliest years. Jacinta didn’t dismiss this as mere childhood fantasy but instead nurtured it, understanding that her son possessed something special.
Practical Support and Sacrifice
Supporting a young athlete requires more than encouragement. Jacinta Garay provided:
- Transportation: Driving Giancarlo to practices, games, and tournaments across Southern California
- Financial investment: Purchasing equipment, paying for leagues, and covering travel expenses on a postal worker’s salary
- Time commitment: Rearranging work schedules to attend important games and events
- Emotional support: Being present during both victories and disappointments
- Advocacy: Ensuring her son had opportunities to showcase his talents
Standing By Him During Challenges
Giancarlo’s journey to MLB wasn’t without obstacles. When he faced injuries, slumps, or self-doubt, Jacinta remained constant. Her presence in the stands—whether at high school games at Notre Dame High School or later at Major League stadiums—symbolized unwavering maternal support.
The Transition to Professional Baseball
When the Florida Marlins selected Giancarlo Stanton in the second round of the 2007 MLB Draft (76th overall), it validated Jacinta’s years of support. Rather than attending Tulane University on a baseball scholarship, Giancarlo entered professional baseball at 18, beginning a journey that would make him one of the game’s most feared power hitters.
Throughout his professional career—from the Marlins to his record-breaking contract and eventual trade to the New York Yankees—Jacinta Garay has remained her son’s most devoted fan, attending games when possible and celebrating his achievements from afar when not.
The Story Behind Giancarlo’s Unique Name
One of the most interesting aspects of Jacinta Garay’s influence on her son involves his distinctive name: Giancarlo Cruz Michael Stanton.
The Inspiration: Italian Cinema
Jacinta originally considered naming her son “Fidel” but ultimately chose “Giancarlo” after being inspired by Italian actors Giancarlo Giannini and Giancarlo Esposito. She appreciated the name’s sophistication and uniqueness, seeing it as a way to give her son an identity that stood apart.
This choice reflected Jacinta’s values: she wanted her children to embrace individuality rather than conformity, to stand out rather than blend in.
Childhood Struggles with Identity
However, young Giancarlo faced challenges with his unusual name. In elementary and middle school, teachers consistently mispronounced it, and classmates teased him for having a “weird” name.
The struggles became so pronounced that he began going by “Mike”—a shortened version of his middle name Michael—to avoid the constant corrections and mockery.
During this period, Giancarlo questioned his mother’s choice, asking Jacinta why she’d given him such an uncommon name. These conversations were difficult for both mother and son, but Jacinta remained firm in her conviction that the name was special.
Embracing His True Identity
As Giancarlo matured, his perspective shifted. He began to appreciate what Jacinta had understood all along: his name was part of what made him unique. After signing his professional contract, he decided to reclaim his given name, going by Giancarlo Stanton professionally.
In interviews, Giancarlo has credited his mother for giving him a name that reflects individuality and cultural appreciation. What began as a childhood burden became a source of pride, demonstrating Jacinta’s foresight in teaching her children to embrace their distinctiveness.
Today, Giancarlo’s name is synonymous with baseball excellence, and the name Jacinta chose has become legendary in the sport.
Jacinta Garay’s Role in Shaping Cultural Identity and Pride
Beyond practical support, Jacinta Garay’s most profound influence on her children involved instilling cultural pride and identity awareness.
Teaching Heritage and History
Jacinta ensured her children understood their Puerto Rican and African-American roots. In a household where their father’s Irish heritage also played a role, she made certain that all aspects of their multicultural identity received attention and respect.
She taught them about Puerto Rican cultural traditions, shared stories of their African-American ancestors, and emphasized that their mixed heritage was a source of strength, not confusion.
The Roberto Clemente Connection
Jacinta’s Puerto Rican pride manifested in her admiration for baseball legend Roberto Clemente, the Puerto Rican icon who broke barriers and represented Latino excellence in Major League Baseball. She kept a photo of Clemente in their home, which young Giancarlo saw daily.
This symbolic presence influenced Giancarlo profoundly. He has spoken about how seeing Clemente’s image—placed there by his mother—inspired his own aspirations and connected him to his Puerto Rican heritage.
When Giancarlo chose to wear number 27 (Clemente’s number) and later spoke about honoring his Puerto Rican roots, he was fulfilling a legacy his mother had planted in his consciousness.
Navigating Identity in Modern America
Growing up in the 1990s and 2000s as a mixed-race child presented unique challenges. Jacinta prepared her children to navigate questions about their identity with confidence rather than uncertainty.
She taught them the powerful lesson: “Be proud of who you are.” This simple but profound message became Giancarlo’s guiding principle, helping him develop the confidence that would serve him both on and off the baseball field.
Creating a Foundation for Success
Jacinta’s emphasis on cultural identity wasn’t abstract philosophy—it provided her children with:
- Confidence: Understanding their heritage gave them a solid foundation for self-esteem
- Resilience: Knowledge of their ancestors’ struggles and triumphs provided perspective during difficulties
- Authenticity: They could be genuinely themselves rather than conform to others’ expectations
- Pride: They learned to celebrate their uniqueness rather than hide it
The Unbreakable Mother-Son Bond: Jacinta and Giancarlo’s Relationship
The relationship between Jacinta Garay and Giancarlo Stanton transcends typical mother-son dynamics, representing a partnership built on mutual respect, unconditional love, and shared journey.
From Little League to the Big Leagues
Jacinta’s presence has been constant throughout Giancarlo’s baseball career:
- Youth baseball: Cheering from aluminum bleachers at local parks in Tujunga
- High school stardom: Attending games at Verdugo Hills High School and later Notre Dame High School
- Professional debut: Celebrating when the Marlins drafted him in 2007
- MLB milestones: Present for career highlights, including his MVP-caliber seasons
- Yankees tenure: Supporting him through the transition to New York’s intense spotlight
Public Acknowledgment and Private Gratitude
Giancarlo has repeatedly credited his mother for his success. In interviews throughout his career, he has been explicit: without Jacinta’s support, sacrifice, and belief, his baseball dreams would have remained unrealized.
This public acknowledgment matters because it demonstrates that Giancarlo understands the magnitude of his mother’s contributions. He doesn’t take her support for granted or minimize her role in his success story.
The Continued Connection
Even as an established MLB superstar with the New York Yankees, Giancarlo maintains close contact with Jacinta. Despite demanding travel schedules, training regimens, and the pressures of professional sports, he prioritizes their relationship.
Jacinta, in turn, remains his biggest fan—not because of his fame or fortune, but because he’s her son. This authentic connection grounds Giancarlo, providing perspective when the baseball world’s pressures become overwhelming.
A Model Relationship
The Garay-Stanton mother-son bond serves as an example of healthy family relationships in the sports world, where the temptations of fame and wealth often strain familial connections. Their relationship demonstrates that success doesn’t require abandoning the people who supported you before fame arrived.
Jacinta Garay’s Other Children: A Mother’s Equal Love
While Giancarlo’s fame naturally draws attention to Jacinta, she raised three children, each receiving her full dedication and support.
Egidio Carlos Stanton: The Academic Success
Egidio “E.G.” Moacir Garay Stanton, born around 1987, chose an intellectual path rather than athletics. He became a political science professor at a California college, teaching and researching topics related to governance, policy, and political theory.
Jacinta supported Egidio’s academic pursuits with the same enthusiasm she showed for Giancarlo’s baseball. She understood that success takes many forms and that each child’s path deserves equal validation.
Egidio’s accomplishments demonstrate that Jacinta’s parenting wasn’t narrowly focused on producing athletes but rather on nurturing each child’s natural inclinations and talents.
Kyrice Valivia Stanton: The Private Life
Kyrice Stanton, the youngest, has chosen to live away from public attention. Unlike her famous brother, she maintains privacy, and Jacinta has respected this choice.
This respect for Kyrice’s preference for privacy shows Jacinta’s parenting wisdom: not every family member of a celebrity needs or wants public recognition. By protecting Kyrice’s privacy, Jacinta has allowed her daughter to develop her own identity independent of her brother’s fame.
Equal Support, Different Paths
Jacinta Garay’s parenting success lies partly in her ability to support three very different children pursuing distinct life paths:
- Egidio: Academic and intellectual pursuits
- Giancarlo: Athletic and public career
- Kyrice: Private life away from the spotlight
She provided each child with what they needed individually rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. This personalized support allowed all three to flourish in their chosen directions.
What Is Jacinta Garay Doing Now? Life After Retirement
As of 2025, Jacinta Garay is 54 years old and reportedly enjoying a quieter phase of life after decades of hard work and dedicated parenting.
Retirement from Postal Service
Jacinta retired from the U.S. Postal Service after many years of service. This retirement allowed her to step back from the demanding schedule of postal work and enjoy more flexible time for herself and her family.
Possible Business Ventures
Some sources suggest that Jacinta may be involved in small business activities, though she has maintained privacy about any entrepreneurial pursuits. With her work ethic and practical experience, it wouldn’t be surprising if she explored business opportunities post-retirement.
Focus on Family and Personal Life
Today, Jacinta’s primary focus appears to be her family and personal well-being. She maintains close relationships with all three of her children, celebrating their accomplishments and providing support when needed.
She continues to attend Giancarlo’s games when circumstances allow, still his most devoted fan even as he competes at baseball’s highest level with the New York Yankees.
A Private Life By Choice
Jacinta Garay has deliberately chosen privacy over public attention. Despite having a son who is one of baseball’s most recognizable stars, she has avoided seeking media interviews, social media fame, or celebrity status by association.
This choice reflects her character: she raised her children for their benefit, not for her own recognition. Her satisfaction comes from their success and happiness, not from external validation or public acclaim.
Current Residence and Lifestyle
Jacinta resides somewhere in the United States, maintaining her preference for discretion regarding exact location and daily activities. Her estimated net worth of approximately $500,000 provides comfortable retirement after years of diligent work and saving.
Jacinta Garay’s Legacy: The Impact Beyond Baseball
Jacinta Garay’s influence extends far beyond her son’s baseball statistics and contracts. Her legacy encompasses several dimensions:
Redefining Single Motherhood
Jacinta’s success in raising three accomplished children as a primarily single mother challenges stereotypes about single-parent households. She demonstrated that with dedication, love, and strong values, single parents can provide everything children need to succeed.
Cultural Bridge-Building
In an increasingly diverse America, Jacinta’s approach to teaching her children about their multicultural heritage provides a model for other families. She showed that children can embrace multiple cultural identities simultaneously, finding strength in diversity rather than confusion.
The Quiet Power of Support
Jacinta represents the often-invisible support systems behind successful individuals. Her story reminds us that for every public success story, there are private stories of sacrifice, support, and unwavering belief.
Values Over Visibility
In an era of social media and self-promotion, Jacinta’s choice to remain private while supporting her famous son demonstrates that true parental success doesn’t require public recognition.
Mother as Foundation
Jacinta’s relationship with Giancarlo illustrates the irreplaceable role mothers play in their children’s development. She wasn’t just a spectator in his success—she was the foundation upon which he built his career.
Lessons From Jacinta Garay’s Life and Parenting
Jacinta Garay’s story offers valuable lessons for parents, particularly those raising children in challenging circumstances:
1. Believe in Your Children’s Dreams
Jacinta supported Giancarlo’s baseball aspirations even without personal sports background. She didn’t dismiss his dreams as unrealistic but instead asked how she could help make them reality.
2. Cultural Pride is Essential
Teaching children about their heritage provides identity, confidence, and connection to something larger than themselves. Jacinta’s emphasis on Puerto Rican and African-American culture gave her children roots that grounded them.
3. Each Child is Unique
Jacinta’s ability to support three different children pursuing distinct paths shows the importance of personalized parenting rather than forcing all children into the same mold.
4. Work Ethic Speaks Louder Than Words
By working consistently at the U.S. Postal Service while managing single parenthood, Jacinta taught through example rather than lectures.
5. Presence Matters More Than Perfection
Jacinta couldn’t give her children everything materially, but she gave them her time, attention, and emotional support—which ultimately mattered more.
6. Privacy is Valuable
Despite opportunities to leverage her son’s fame, Jacinta maintained privacy, teaching that not everything needs to be public or monetized.
7. Support Doesn’t End at Adulthood
Jacinta’s continued involvement in her adult children’s lives shows that parenting is a lifelong commitment, not something that ends when children turn 18.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jacinta Garay
Who are Giancarlo Stanton’s parents?
Giancarlo Stanton’s parents are Jacinta Garay and Mike Stanton. They married in the late 1980s and had three children together before divorcing in 1997 when Giancarlo was eight years old. Both parents remained involved in their children’s lives and supported Giancarlo’s baseball career, though Jacinta was his primary caregiver after the divorce.
What is Jacinta Garay’s ethnicity and cultural background?
Jacinta Garay is of Puerto Rican and African-American descent. This rich multicultural heritage played a significant role in how she raised her children, teaching them to embrace their diverse ancestry with pride.
Her cultural background influenced many aspects of her parenting, including her decision to name her son Giancarlo and her emphasis on knowing and celebrating their Puerto Rican roots.
How tall is Jacinta Garay?
Jacinta Garay stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall. While she may not be physically imposing, her impact on her son’s life and career has been monumental, proving that influence isn’t measured in inches.
What did Jacinta Garay do for work, and what is her net worth?
Jacinta Garay worked for the U.S. Postal Service for many years, providing stable income to support her three children as a primarily single mother. She has since retired from the postal service and may be involved in small business ventures.
Her estimated net worth is approximately $500,000 as of 2025, reflecting years of prudent financial management and dedication to building security for her family.
Where is Jacinta Garay now, and what is she doing?
Today, Jacinta Garay lives a quiet, private life somewhere in the United States after retiring from her postal service career. Now 54 years old (as of 2025), she maintains close relationships with all three of her children—Egidio, Giancarlo, and Kyrice.
While she stays out of the media spotlight, she remains Giancarlo’s biggest supporter, attending his games when possible. She has chosen privacy over publicity, focusing on her family and personal well-being rather than seeking recognition for her son’s fame.
How did Jacinta Garay support Giancarlo Stanton’s baseball career?
Jacinta supported Giancarlo’s baseball dreams in multiple ways: she drove him to practices and games across Southern California, purchased equipment and paid league fees on a postal worker’s salary, rearranged work schedules to attend important events, provided emotional support during setbacks and injuries, and most importantly, she believed in him unconditionally.
Her presence at games—from Little League through high school and into his MLB career—symbolized her unwavering commitment to his success.
Why did Jacinta name her son Giancarlo?
Jacinta originally considered naming her son “Fidel” but ultimately chose “Giancarlo” after being inspired by Italian actors Giancarlo Giannini and Giancarlo Esposito. She appreciated the name’s sophistication and uniqueness, wanting to give her son an identity that stood apart from the crowd.
Though young Giancarlo initially struggled with the unusual name and went by “Mike” during childhood, he later embraced it as an adult, recognizing the special quality his mother had seen from the beginning.
How many children does Jacinta Garay have?
Jacinta Garay has three children: Egidio Carlos Moacir Garay Stanton (born 1987), who became a political science professor; Giancarlo Cruz Michael Stanton (born November 8, 1989), the famous MLB player; and Kyrice Valivia Stanton, the youngest, who maintains a private life away from public attention. Jacinta raised all three children primarily as a single mother after her divorce from Mike Stanton in 1997.
What is Jacinta Garay’s relationship like with Giancarlo Stanton today?
Jacinta and Giancarlo maintain a very close relationship. Despite his demanding MLB schedule with the New York Yankees, Giancarlo prioritizes time with his mother and has repeatedly credited her publicly for his success.
She continues to be his biggest fan, attending games when possible and providing emotional support. Their bond represents a healthy, grounded relationship that has remained strong despite the pressures of fame and fortune.
Did Jacinta Garay remarry after divorcing Mike Stanton?
Public information about whether Jacinta Garay remarried after her 1997 divorce from Mike Stanton is not available. She has maintained considerable privacy about her personal life, focusing public attention on her children rather than herself. This discretion is consistent with her overall approach of staying out of the spotlight despite her son’s fame.
Final Thoughts: Honoring Jacinta Garay’s Contribution
Jacinta Garay represents something often overlooked in discussions of athletic excellence: the foundation of support that makes success possible.
While Giancarlo Stanton’s powerful home runs and record-breaking contracts make headlines, the quiet dedication of his mother created the conditions for those achievements.
She worked long hours at the U.S. Postal Service, attended countless games, taught cultural pride, believed in her children’s potential, sacrificed personal desires for their benefit, and maintained dignity and privacy despite opportunities for attention.
Jacinta Garay’s story reminds us that behind every superstar athlete, there’s often a parent who believed, supported, and sacrificed. She didn’t need to understand baseball’s technical aspects to help her son succeed—she simply needed to provide love, support, and unwavering belief in his potential.
Today, as Giancarlo Stanton steps to the plate at Yankee Stadium, representing one of baseball’s most iconic franchises, he carries with him not just his own talent but the values, support, and cultural pride his mother instilled in him from childhood.
Jacinta Garay may not seek recognition, but her influence is undeniable. She is the woman who raised a baseball legend, and in doing so, she became a legend in her own right—not for fame or fortune, but for embodying the transformative power of a mother’s love and dedication.
Her legacy extends beyond statistics and contracts to something more fundamental: she showed that with dedication, strong values, and unconditional love, a single mother working a modest job can raise children who achieve extraordinary things.
Jacinta Garay is more than Giancarlo Stanton’s mother—she is the architect of his character, the foundation of his success, and a testament to the profound impact of parental love and support.
