Pete Alonso dethrones Darryl Strawberry as Mets' home run king

The moment Pete Alonso dreamed of since he was a child arrived on Tuesday night.

Alonso Makes History with the Mets

Alonso, known for his power at the plate, broke the Mets franchise home run record, hitting two home runs and driving in three runs in New York’s 13-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves.Alonso’s first home run, a two-run blast that cleared the center-right field fence in the third inning, was the 253rd of his career, surpassing Darryl Strawberry, who had held the team record since 1988.

As a kid, you don’t really think it’s in the realm of possibility to be the franchise home run leader. You just want to make it to the big leagues and do your best. And the dream is really kind of opaque and unknown. You just want to get there and compete, play for a World Series, play winning baseball.
Pete Alonso

After Alonso’s historic home run, the Mets displayed a graphic on the scoreboard with the number 253, along with photos of Alonso and polar bears, in honor of the player’s nickname.Alonso celebrated with Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, before taking off his cap and sending kisses to a near-full crowd, which included New York owner Steve Cohen.

I’ve seen enough now to say, ‘Man, I think that’s a home run.’ It just seemed like it came off the bat differently and has a different sound.
Brandon Nimmo

Manager Carlos Mendoza and the rest of the team came out of the dugout to embrace Alonso, while the crowd chanted his name. Alonso came out for an additional bow during McNeil’s at-bat.

I had tears in my eyes. For everything we’ve been through in the last two months, just to experience that moment, I think we have to take a step back and appreciate what you are experiencing.
Carlos Mendoza

After the inning, the Mets played the theme from “The Natural” and Alonso tipped his cap again as the camera focused on Strawberry’s number 18 hanging above foul territory in left field at Citi Field.

Being able to do that in front of this crowd is really special.
Pete Alonso

The Mets posted a congratulatory message from Strawberry on their social media.Strawberry’s message said: “You’ve worked hard, you’ve withstood the pressure of New York City and you’ve played well. It’s well deserved. You’re a home player. Again, congratulations and keep having a lot of success. All the best, friend.”Alonso hit another home run in the sixth inning, a solo shot against Austin Cox. It was his 25th multi-home run game, a franchise record, surpassing Strawberry by three.Led by Alonso, the Mets punished the Braves with six home runs in a display of power so impressive that the team had to announce on the Citi Field scoreboard that they had run out of fireworks.Alonso has six home runs in 10 games this month, one more than he hit in 43 games from June 10 to July 30. He tied Strawberry’s record by hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday and set the record in his 965th regular season game, 144 fewer than Strawberry.With the record broken, attention now turns to how long Alonso will stay in New York to increase his total.Alonso, a homegrown star, debuted in the Major Leagues with great success in 2019, hitting 53 home runs, setting a league rookie record and a franchise record in a single season.He has played in 372 consecutive games, another franchise record.

Having a player like that, whom you’ve recruited, developed, and here he is, still performing day after day, you can’t take that for granted.
Carlos Mendoza

After a long negotiation, he returned to the Mets as a free agent in February with a two-year, $54 million contract, which includes a $24 million player option for 2026, which Alonso will likely decline.

I aim to play baseball until my season ends at 40 years old.
Pete Alonso

Referring to the Mets’ president of baseball operations, Alonso added with a smile: “And on the business side, Steve and David (Stearns), they have to deliver.”When asked how many home runs he thinks he could hit for the Mets, Alonso smiled again.