Yankees power hitter Giancarlo Stanton grew up in Southern California and still has fans at his old school during the World Series against the Dodgers

SHERMAN OAKS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — This year's World Series matchup between the Dodgers and Yankees features several players from both teams who grew up in Southern California.

Among them is New York power hitter Giancarlo Stanton, who graduated from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks.

And even though he plays for the Dodgers' opponent, the school is very proud of his achievements in the major leagues.

Jack Flaherty and Gerrit Cole from Southern California host Game 1 of the World Series

Stanton is a towering 6-foot-2 player who hit the most career home runs among active players and was a five-time All Star.

“He was a little bigger than everyone else, a little faster, a little stronger,” baseball coach Tom Dill remembers.

In high school, Stanton was an All-CIF star in baseball, basketball and football.

“Being a three-sport athlete doesn’t really exist anymore. He was at a high level.”

Stanton just passed Babe Ruth for the most postseason home runs in Yankees history.

“He hits the ball harder than anyone.”

Dill says he is not only impressed by his physical talents, but also proud of the way Stanton carries himself as a person.

“Very humble. He's always been like that, not one to brag about himself. I mean, he knows what he can do. He would just go out and do it.”

Stanton is in the school's Hall of Fame and his photo is prominent on campus. And more than a decade after graduating, he continues to support the school and help teams get Nike gear while he's a pro.

Those who knew him personally respect his path to success and praise Stanton for making key decisions early in his freshman year of high school.

Phil Van Horn coached him that summer and saw him make incredible progress while focusing intensely on baseball.

“He went from a man that no scout knew who he was to a man that every scout wanted to know who he was,” Van Horn remembers. “It really happened in such a short time. It’s an amazing story.”

Stanton is still writing his story. Despite a series of injuries in recent years that forced him to miss more than 260 games in five seasons, he has remained determined, showcasing his talent in the playoffs and helping lead the Yankees to the World Series lead.

“Giancarlo has courage, old-fashioned courage, and he deserves credit for that,” Van Horn said. “That didn’t come from anyone else.”

“Every time he hits a home run, every time he stops for a second while he's still in the batter's box and admires him, I just light up.”

Dill says he saw almost every home run Stanton hit. Even though we're in Dodger country, Dill is aware of his personal loyalties.

“Sorry, Dodger fans. I have to go with the Yankees just because I couldn't? When you have something like a family member on the team.”