After the game, Fielder -- who has in the past avoided any discussion and comparison regarding his father, former major-league slugger Cecil Fielder -- spoke candidly about what his record meant.
Fielder's record-setting home run ball landed just over the left field fence. Such mementos are usually recovered and presented to the player. Fielder, however, said he had no need for the ball.
"No. 50 is nice, but I'll keep No. 52," Fielder said.
When asked by a reporter about the somewhat obscure number, Fielder responded: "My dad hit 51. Then he can't say anything."
The comments took many of the assembled reporters by surprise and Fielder, who was furious after a Sports Illustrated story earlier this season featured a number of comments from Cecil insinuating that his son was ungrateful and immature, added some more fuel to the fire.
When asked about the possibility of being named the National League Most Valuable Player, Fielder again referenced his father.
"It would be a cool award to get, but that's not something I think about," he said. "My dad never did it. If I do get it, that shuts him up again."
Fielder said that performing as he has been has been good for him. He recalled that many said he was only drafted because of his family pedigree and was anxious to make his own name for himself. In his comments, Fielder said his father often pointed out his own professional exploits when the younger bragged about his accomplishments.
"I don't mind people comparing me to him but I'm a completely different player," Fielder said. "One day I want people to mention my name and not have to mention his."
A St. Louis reporter got one last question in, asking Fielder to clarify his comments about shutting his father up. Citing the SI story, the reporter asked if Fielder had any thoughts.
"You've got to look at who's saying it," Fielder said. "Let's be honest. He's not really the brightest guy."
