William Michael Stanton (born June 2, 1967) is an American former left-handed relief pitcher who pitched for eight teams in Major League Baseball between 1989 and 2007.

[3] His first full year in the major leagues was 1991, and he put up a 5–5 record in 74 games, earning a spot on the Braves' postseason roster.

When play resumed in 1995, Stanton pitched in 26 games, garnering a 1–1 record and 5.59 ERA before being traded on July 31 to the Boston Red Sox.

In the 1996 American League Division Series, he pitched in three games, earning one loss and surrendering his only postseason home run.

During that span, Stanton was a large part of the Yankees World Series teams, proving himself in big roles out of the bullpen.

He struck out Gary Bennett, Scott Podsednik (who reached base on an uncaught third strike), Trent Durrington, and Wes Helms.

Despite his high salary due in 2008, the Reds cut Stanton from the team, going instead with veteran lefty Kent Mercker.

[8] After being cut by the Reds, Stanton signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Chicago Cubs on January 20, 2009.

[9] In his major league career, Stanton posted a 68–63 record with a 3.92 ERA and 84 saves in 1178 games pitched which ranks him second all-time in appearances behind Jesse Orosco (1252).

Despite being a set-up man, Stanton chose to come out of the bullpen to an entrance song like many Major League closers do.

With the New York Mets however, he came in to Metallica's "Enter Sandman" during save situations as a tribute to Mariano Rivera, whom he set up for in his Yankees years.

[10] Stanton was mentioned in the Mitchell Report for purchasing human growth hormone, implicated by Kirk Radomski.

[11] Stanton has flatly denied any wrongdoing or any connection to any type of performance-enhancing drugs in his baseball career.

Stanton's alleged HGH use was also mentioned in testimony by Brian McNamee during the Roger Clemens trial.

[12] Stanton worked as the head coach of the varsity baseball team at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey.

[13][better source needed] As of 2019, Stanton hosts the pregame show for the Houston Astros on AT&T SportsNet Southwest.