Pete Alonso, the New York Mets’ first baseman, has etched his name into the franchise’s lore by surpassing the all-time home run record with his 253rd career blast against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night. The two-run home run, launched in the bottom of the third inning off Atlanta starter Spencer Strider, extended the Mets’ lead to 5-1 and secured Alonso’s place as the new home run king of the franchise.
The momentous achievement came after a prolonged battle in the record books, with Alonso narrowly surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s long-standing mark. Strawberry, who had previously held the record with 252 home runs, had also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and the New York Yankees, but his Mets record stood at 252. Alonso’s feat is a testament to his consistency and power, as all of his 253 home runs have been achieved while donning the Mets’ uniform.
Alonso’s rise to the top of the home run leaderboard has not gone unnoticed by Mets fans and the broader baseball community. While it was once anticipated that David Wright, the team’s former captain, would hold the record due to his impressive 242 homers during his Mets career, Alonso’s performance has proven otherwise. Wright, whose number was retired earlier this season, now ranks third in the franchise’s all-time home run list, behind Alonso and Strawberry.
Alonso’s path to this milestone was not without its challenges. During the offseason, uncertainty loomed over his future with the Mets as he faced the possibility of free agency. However, the team’s decision to offer him a two-year, $54 million contract proved to be a strategic move that has yielded dividends. His performance this season, entering the game with a .264/.350/.511 slash line and 26 homers, has been a crucial factor in his success.
Alonso’s arrival on the Mets’ roster in 2019 was nothing short of meteoric. He quickly became a fan favorite, earning his first of five All-Star nods and setting a new single-season MLB record with 53 home runs in 2019. That record, which broke the previous 52-homer mark set by Aaron Judge in 2017, highlighted Alonso’s potential and solidified his place in Mets history.
While Alonso now holds the home run crown, he continues to be in pursuit of other milestones, including the franchise’s all-time RBI title, which is currently held by David Wright with 970. Alonso, at 681 RBIs, is in third place. The Mets, as of Tuesday, sit in the final National League Wild Card spot with a 63-55 record, and their hopes of securing a playoff berth rest on the performance of their star players, including Alonso.
With the Mets still in contention for a postseason berth, Alonso’s continued production is crucial. His ability to hit home runs has been a game-changer for the team, and as the season progresses, his contributions will be vital in determining the Mets’ fate in the wild card race. For now, however, Alonso’s place in the franchise’s history books is firmly established, marking a significant chapter in Mets’ legacy.