The New York Mets’ star hitter, Pete Alonso, has made history by hitting his 253rd career home run, surpassing the franchise record that Darryl Strawberry held for 37 years.
The home run, which was also number 27 of the season for Alonso, occurred in the third inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves. The hit drove in two runs and put the Mets ahead with a 5-1 lead.
Alonso connected on a 95.1 mph fastball from the Braves pitcher, Spencer Strider, sending the ball beyond the right-center field fence.
Big Celebration
The celebration of the achievement included a graphic on the stadium screen with the number 253, accompanied by images of Alonso and polar bears, in honor of the player’s nickname. Alonso shared hugs with Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, and then greeted the crowd, which almost filled the stadium and included Mets owner Steve Cohen.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza led the team in an effusive celebration in the dugout, while the fans chanted Alonso’s name. The player responded with a new bow during McNeil’s at-bat.
After the entrance ended, the stadium played the theme from “The Natural” and Alonso greeted the fans again, while the camera focused on Strawberry’s number 18 hanging in left field.
The Mets also posted a video on social media with a congratulatory message from Strawberry.
I just want to congratulate you on breaking the home run record. You’ve worked hard, you’ve withstood the pressure of New York City, and you’ve played well. You deserve it. You’re a homegrown player. Again, congratulations and keep having a lot of success.
Darryl Strawberry
This was Alonso’s fifth home run in 10 games this month, matching the number he hit in 43 games between June 10 and July 30. Alonso tied Strawberry’s record by hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday.
Alonso, a homegrown star, made a strong debut in the Major Leagues in 2019, hitting 53 home runs, setting a rookie record and a franchise record for a single season.
The five-time All-Star has reached 40 home runs on two other occasions and has been one of the most consistent hitters since his arrival. After a long negotiation, he returned to the Mets in February with a two-year, $54 million contract, which includes a $24 million player option for 2026, which Alonso will likely decline.Pete Alonso celebrates after hitting his 253rd home run of his career during the third inning of Tuesday’s game against the Braves, breaking the Mets franchise record that Darryl Strawberry held for 37 years. Photo: AP Photo/Frank Franklin IIThe only active players leading their current franchises in home runs are Manny Machado (Padres) and Mike Trout (Angels).
Giancarlo Stanton, now with the New York Yankees, holds Miami’s record with 267 home runs for the Marlins.
Strawberry set the previous Mets record with his 155th home run on May 3, 1988, surpassing Dave Kingman. The outfielder hit 252 home runs in 1,109 games for New York during his first eight seasons in the Major Leagues, from 1983 to 1990. He then played for the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees, finishing his 17-year career with 335 home runs.
Alonso played his 965th regular season game on Tuesday. The durable first baseman has played in 372 consecutive games, a team record.
The Diamondbacks and Padres are the only Major League teams that haven’t had a player hit more than 252 home runs for them. Luis Gonzalez holds the Arizona record with 224, and Machado entered Tuesday with 187 for San Diego.
