Tuesday night at Citi Field was a historic one for New York Mets fans as Pete Alonso etched his name into the franchise record books.
The first baseman, affectionately known as the ‘Polar Bear,’ launched his 253rd and 254th career home runs, surpassing Darryl Strawberry to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader.
A Monumental Blast Against the Braves
Alonso’s record-breaking moment came against the Atlanta Braves, when he sent a 387-foot shot soaring to deep right-center field.
That two-run homer gave the Mets a commanding 5-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning and marked his 27th home run of the season.
The crowd erupted as the ball cleared the fence, with fireworks and a tribute on the jumbotron celebrating the milestone.
Emotional Celebration on the Field
After rounding the bases, Alonso was met by teammates Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil in a heartfelt embrace.
He removed his helmet and saluted the ecstatic fans, who stood to cheer him on.
The night didn’t end there — Alonso added homer No. 254 later in the bottom of the sixth, reinforcing his place in Mets history.
From Draft Day to Franchise Legend
Alonso’s journey to this record has been years in the making.
Drafted by the Mets in the second round back in 2016, the 30-year-old didn’t make his Major League debut until 2019.
In just 964 games, he has climbed to 246th on MLB’s all-time home run list, a testament to his consistent power at the plate.
Staying Focused Amid the Celebration
Despite the milestone, Alonso remained grounded.
After hitting his 250th home run earlier this month, he reflected on the record, calling it “really special and meaningful.”
Yet he emphasized that his primary focus remains helping the team win games in the midst of a tight playoff race.
“I’ll think of all the other stuff in the offseason or whenever I have time,” he said.
A Legacy in the Making
With each homer, Pete Alonso continues to solidify his legacy in New York and Major League Baseball.
For Mets fans, it’s a thrilling reminder of the power and passion he brings to the team — one swing at a time.