Pete Alonso reflects on breaking Mets’ single-season home run record


Pete Alonso reflects on breaking Mets' single-season home run record

Pete Alonso entered the Mets’ history books again Tuesday.

The 24-year-old rookie first baseman set the franchise’s single-season home run record when he blasted his 42nd long-ball of the year in the fourth inning against the Cubs at Citi Field. Alonso reflected on the milestone after the game, which the Mets dropped, 5-2.

“When I found out I made the team, I just wanted to make the biggest impact as possible because I wanted to stay up here,” Alonso told reporters. “I didn’t want to do the whole up-and-down situation. I just wanted to be a focal point and stay up here. Because, this is the end-all, be-all for me. This is something I’ve put a lot of work into, made a lot of sacrifices.

“It’s not just me. This is the ultimate for every single baseball player. It’s just been an absolute dream come true. … It’s reassuring that everything has paid off.”

Alonso has become a fan favorite and received a curtain call after his home run.

“The appreciation I have for these Mets fans, the support I’ve gotten, the love I’ve gotten, it’s just been surreal,” Alonso said. “The way that they’ve embraced me since Day 1 has been extremely special. I just want to reciprocate that. I want to recognize their support. They’ve been unbelievable and they’ve treated me so well. … I’m just extremely thankful.”

Alonso’s homer moved him past Todd Hundley and Carlos Beltran, who were tied for the previous record at 41.

“It’s a pleasure to have a fine young player like Pete Alonso break my record,” Beltran said in a statement. “I have not met Pete personally but people have told me he plays the game with passion and doesn’t give up on any at-bat. He has had great success in his first year.”

Alonso is the first rookie to hold his team’s single-season home run record since 1938, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

The Mets fell to 67-64 and trail the Cubs by three games for the second National League wild-card spot.




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