Pete Alonso recently hit his first home run in almost two months, inching closer to the Mets’ all-time home run record.
In a game against the Giants at Citi Field, Alonso connected for a three-run homer during the first inning, marking his 250th career home run. This achievement puts him only two short of tying the franchise record held by Daryl Strawberry.
Strawberry set a record over eight seasons with the Mets from 1983 to 1990, accomplishing it in 1,109 games.
“It felt great to help my team,” Alonso expressed. “Honestly, I’m not too worried about breaking the record right now. I just want to seize each opportunity to contribute to the win.”
He mentioned that while the record is significant, his current focus is on winning games, not contemplating records, which can wait for the offseason.
As the Mets broke a four-game winning streak, Alonso reached his milestone after playing in 957 games. Interestingly, he achieved this faster than Strawberry, needing 157 fewer games than the former Mets star.
Alonso is now among an elite group of players, including Ralph Kiner, Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, and Eddie Matthews, all of whom hit at least 250 home runs in their first seven MLB seasons.
Just the night before, Alonso ended a hitless streak spanning 19 at-bats with a solo home run in the tenth inning against the Giants, although the Mets lost that game.
His three-run homer on Saturday was the first at home this season off rookie pitcher Kai Wye Teng and marked his first back-to-back game with home runs since early June.
This latest home run brings Alonso’s season total to 24, closely trailing Juan Soto for the team lead, and he holds the team’s best with 86 RBIs.
Defensively, he also made an impressive diving play, showing his skill both at bat and in the field.
“I’m proud of him. That’s a milestone not many reach,” said manager Carlos Mendoza regarding Alonso’s achievement. “He set the tone early, especially with that first inning blast.”
Mendoza added, “We saw glimpses of what he can do, and hopefully, he continues to build from here.”
