Mets' Slugging Phenom Pete Alonso to Participate in Home Run Derby
By Ryan Flores
The Polar Bear will get his shot.
On Friday, New York Mets rookie Phenom Pete Alonso was officially invited to participate in the Home Run Derby during the 2019 All-Star Break. It's a well-deserved honor, as the Mets' first baseman has been tearing the cover off the ball all season.
Pete Alonso has been invited to the Home Run Derby and will participate, the Mets' rookie standout told Yahoo. "It's going to be a blast, a dream come true," Alonso said.
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzYahoo) June 28, 2019
Alonso has already broken the Mets rookie record for home runs, as he has 27 home runs through 81 games, and needs just one more tie Mark McGwire's all-time record for most homers by a rookie before July 1st.
Pete Alonso has hit his 26th home run of the season, tying Darryl Strawberry (1983) for the most ever by a Mets rookie.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 22, 2019
In addition, Alonso is just 2 behind Mark McGwire's all-time record (28 in 1987) for most home runs hit by a rookie before July 1st. pic.twitter.com/eMAHqbDG6t
This is now the third player that has been announced for the Derby, as Pete joins exciting home run hitters Carlos Santana and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., with more sluggers joining the field soon.
The Mets haven't had a home run derby participant since David Wright was a Home Run Derby team captain in 2013. This is clearly an exciting opportunity for everyone, as the world gets to watch Alonso mash monstrous homers on the big stage, and Alonso gets to show baseball fans what he's made of.
Pete Alonso is unconscious right now @GottaBelievePod pic.twitter.com/dBhCheTN9s
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 23, 2019
The Amazins may not be enjoying the season they thought they would at the beginning of the year, but despite all the turmoil surrounding the organization, Alonso has been a bright spot, and he is being honored for his work at the plate with the invitation to the slugfest.