New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso hit his 253rd career home run yesterday to overtake Darryl Strawberry as the franchise’s all-time leader in home runs. Alonso recorded three hits and two home runs yesterday in the Mets’ 13-5 drubbing of the Atlanta Braves.
“As a kid, you don’t really think that it’s in the realm of the possibility to be a franchise home run leader,” Alonso told reporters after the game. “You just want to get to the big leagues and give it your best. And the dream is really kind of this opaque and unknown thing. You just want to get there and compete, play for a World Series, play winning baseball… I mean, it’s a wild dream, to be honest, and it’s really special.”
In the bottom of the third inning, with the Mets ahead 3-1, Alonso hit a four-seam fastball 394 feet to capture the record, breaking Darryl Strawberry’s old mark of 252 home runs with the franchise. After the home run landed, the Mets displayed a graphic of the number 253 alongside pictures of Pete Alonso next to polar bears, the animal for which he is nicknamed. Once he finished circling the bases, Alonso hugged teammates Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil before acknowledging the home crowd.
“Really special. Really special moment for P and the whole organization. He’s been one of the most elite power hitters in the game since he’s come up, and for him to accomplish this now is just really, really special,” Nimmo said after the win. “He’s one of the most elite power hitters of our game right now and since 2019. I’m just really proud of him. And to reach this mark at, honestly, such a young stage. I can’t wait to see what he sets the mark at for good.”
Former Mets great and SNY broadcaster Keith Hernandez provided some insight on the monumental occasion after the game.
“I tell you, I loved his comment that, as a kid growing up, you don’t picture yourself becoming the face of an organization, becoming this kind of prolific player, hitter, power hitter to boot,” he said. “It’s just, like, you got to pinch yourself. So I’m just so happy for him. Pete cares. He comes to the ballpark every day. He plays every day. He’s always stayed healthy, and he always puts 100%. And my hats off to him.”
The New York Mets also made a video for Alonso with Darryl Strawberry congratulating him on becoming the franchise’s new home run king.
“I just want to say congratulations on breaking the home run record,” Strawberry said. “Listen, you have worked hard. You have stood up in the pressure of New York City, and you have played well. It is well-deserved. You are a homegrown player. And again, congratulations, and continue to have great success.”
The hope now for Alonso is that his record-breaking performance will warrant a contract extension. He is currently scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
“I mean, I have a goal to play baseball until I’m through my age 40 season, so that’s it for me. I’m going to work hard and do that,” he explained. “And you know what? Business side, Steve (Cohen) and David (Stearns), they gotta come through.”
When asked what type of long-term contract he would be interested in, Alonso responded, “There’s only one way to find out.”
The Mets are back in action tonight as they continue their three-game homestand against the Atlanta Braves. The first pitch in that one is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT.
