BREAKING: Mets slugger Pete Alonso has officially shattered the franchise home run record, hitting his 253rd career homer on September 26, 2023, during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. This historic moment comes after 37 years of the record being held by Darryl Strawberry.
In a thrilling third inning, Alonso launched a 95.1 mph fastball over the right-center wall, scoring two runs and pushing the Mets to a commanding 5-1 lead. Not stopping there, he added a solo home run in the sixth inning, extending New York’s advantage to 11-5.
The atmosphere in Citi Field was electric as the Mets celebrated this monumental achievement. The scoreboard displayed the number 253 alongside images of Alonso and polar bears, a nod to his nickname. Teammates like Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were quick to embrace him, while the crowd erupted in chants of his name.
Alonso received an outpouring of love from the fans and his team, including Steve Cohen, the owner of the Mets. The celebration continued with a stirring rendition of the theme from “The Natural,” as Alonso took another curtain call, honoring the legacy of Darryl Strawberry, whose No. 18 hangs in the stadium.
In a heartfelt congratulatory video, Strawberry commended Alonso:
“You have worked hard, you have stood up in the pressure of New York City, and you have played well. It is well deserved.”
Alonso had previously tied Strawberry’s record with a homer against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 23, 2023. The 30-year-old first baseman, a five-time All-Star, made his MLB debut in 2019 and set a rookie record with 53 home runs that season. He has since become a consistent power hitter, reaching 40 homers two additional times.
This season, Alonso’s performance has been pivotal for the Mets, who recently secured his services with a $54 million, two-year contract. His resilience is evident, as he has played in a franchise-record 372 consecutive games and currently boasts 965 regular-season games under his belt.
Alonso joins the ranks of other active players leading their franchises in home runs, including Manny Machado with the San Diego Padres and Mike Trout with the Los Angeles Angels. Notably, Giancarlo Stanton holds the Miami record with 267 homers.
As the Mets aim to build on this momentum, fans eagerly anticipate Alonso’s next milestone. What does this achievement mean for his career and the team’s future? Stay tuned for updates as Alonso continues to make history in New York.
