Pete Alonso Makes New York Mets History originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Pete Alonso has been one of the premier power hitters in Major League Baseball since his debut in 2019. The former Florida Gators slugger belted 53 home runs that year, setting an MLB rookie and New York Mets single-season franchise record.

The New York Mets brought Pete Alonso back in free agency last season. However, they may have cost themselves by not giving him a long-term deal.

Radio broadcaster Howie Rose read a heartfelt speech, highlighting Alonso’s 53 first-year home runs and postseason heroics. A special video tribute — narrated by Strawberry — then played on the jumbotron as fans around the stadium gave the 30-year-old a standing ovation.