30-Year-Old Slugger Breaks a 37-Year Mets Record
It’s hard to believe that right before the 2025 season, no one was sure whether Pete Alonso would be returning to the Mets. After trade talks and contract negotiations, Alonso signed a two-year contract to return to Citi Field. This included an opt-out clause following the 2025 season. On August 12th, while watching him break Darryl Strawberry’s record for most home runs in Mets franchise history, there’s no doubt which team Polar Pete is destined for.
After hitting a two-run homer in the first game of the series against the Braves, there was no denying the electricity apparent in the air. The stadium lit up, first from the roars of the crowd and then from Alonso’s happy grin, knowing that he made Mets history. It was a mighty sight to behold the players and coaches congratulate their shining teammate and player with hugs and smiles, while fans cheered from a place of ultimate enthusiasm. Most of us at home were cheering just as loud.
This came as a relief to fans who have been experiencing what we refer to in my household as the ‘Mets blues.’ It’s been a bit of a rough go for the fellows on the field as of late. Recently, they were swept in the series against the Brewers and had lost a total of 10 out of 11 games. This recession in victories was shocking, coming from a successful trade deadline. With all of the talent in every position on the field, the old and new players should have been crushing the opposing teams. Instead, there was an overwhelming amount of frustration caused by defeat. Beneath it all, any loyal Mets fan knows that it’s the rough moments you have to deal with. Oh, when the team is raring to go, they play with absolute fire in their bones.
After the first inning and first RBI for the Braves, it was concerning that this game might go the same way as any other game has. Perhaps a slow offensive start, followed by slip-ups from the pitching staff, ended with a disappointing defeat. However, when Brett Baty chased after a Brewers player trying to retreat to safety on second, and Jeff McNeil threw him the ball for an out, it was like watching a perfectly synced machine. It was Mets magic. Similarly, watching Polar Pete break off that franchise record, there was no happier fan base in the world.
As we go into the end of the 2025 season, the start of this series could signal how the final part of this season will go. The hope is this: they play with that perfect blend of their heads and their hearts. They continue to have fun and hustle. With all of that in play, there’s a chance we could be looking at a successful season. However, the outcome is entirely up to them, and there’s no amount of statistics and predictions that will let us know until we actually do know.
What I know is this: Pete Alonso is a piece of Mets history. He has captured not only this record, but the hearts of the franchise. When it comes to considering the end of the season and where he winds up, I hope that he considers that he has already found a home. Polar Pete, congratulations!
