Mets Fan Family Gives Pete Alonso His Record-Breaking HR Ball Back
By Jerry Trotta
In case you missed it, Pete Alonso made a bit of history against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, belting home run No.53 of 2019 to break Aaron Judge's single-season record for dingers clubbed by a rookie.
It was a monumental moment for the Polar Bear, who let all of his emotions out while rounding the bases, during his curtain curtain call, and he was even seen tearing up in the field at first base the following frame.
There was, however, one small narrative missing from this groundbreaking storyline for some time. Alonso wasn't given his historic HR ball until well after the final out was recorded.
A family had Pete Alonso's home run ball. The dad caught it. They gave it back to Alonso. He signed some stuff for them, took them on the field, took pictures. He tried to make it a special moment for the kids.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) September 29, 2019
Seriously, what is there not to love about this guy? On paper he's a rookie, but Alonso possesses the leadership and selflessness of a seasoned journeyman. The fact that he took the family, undoubtedly reluctant to give the ball back, out on the field and signed apparel for them tells us all we need to know about him.
Here’s Pete Alonso on his rookie record-setting 53rd home run. He plans to build a mancave in his future home to include all the memorabilia (like tonight’s home run ball) he collected this year. pic.twitter.com/h1MtAMAapK
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) September 29, 2019
Sure, he's a superstar, but the New York Mets literally couldn't ask for a better person to assume the face of their franchise...if he hasn't already occupied that reputable position.