Pete Alonso’s 300th career home run at Citi Field on Tuesday night didn’t just tie a game — it turned into a personal thank-you tour for the three Mets fans who caught the ball.
Alonso, now with the Baltimore Orioles, drove a Kodai Senga pitch 413 feet off the second deck in left field, tying the score with one out in the ninth inning. The Orioles went on to win 7-5 in 11 innings. The homer drew a standing ovation and a curtain call for Alonso, along with “Fire Stearns!” chants aimed at Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who didn’t push to re-sign the homegrown first baseman over the winter.
Three fans identified as Mike, Nick and Chris ended up with the milestone ball, and Alonso met with them after the game to work out a trade. In a video posted by SNY, Alonso can be heard asking where the ball landed before offering the group signed bats, balls and autographs on the jerseys they were wearing — including a special “300 homer game” inscription.
“Offices, man cave, mantles, bedrooms,” Alonso said. “Do you want me to write anything on it, inscribe it in any sort of way? I can write whatever you want. Don’t be bashful.”
Alonso also brought the trio cold Miller Lites and posed for a photo with them. He didn’t stop there, offering the group an open invitation to Camden Yards.
“Any time you guys want to come to Camden [Yards], VIP tickets,” Alonso said. “You guys want tickets, VIP passes, the whole nine yards, on me, thank you.”
Alonso spent seven seasons with the Mets and remains the franchise’s all-time home run leader before signing a five-year, $155 million deal with Baltimore this past offseason. The five-time All-Star has played every game this season, hitting 36 homers with 101 RBIs. His Mets replacement, Jorge Polanco, hit just .148 over 37 games while dealing with injuries.
Tuesday’s win pulled Baltimore within three games of the final American League wild-card spot. The Mets have already been eliminated from postseason contention.
