Pete Strawberry's close bond with Pete Alonso adds sentimental value to Alonso's pursuit of the Mets' home run record, with Strawberry's influence making the achievement even more remarkable.
In a recent game against the Brewers, Pete Alonso hit a homerun, but the score didn't favour the Mets as they lost 7-4. This wasn't just any homerun for Alonso, though. Two years prior, he had homered at the same venue, American Family Field, to help the Mets clinch a wild-card berth.
For Alonso, his favourite homerun at this field is one steeped in history. It's his playoff homer from the 2020 National League wild-card series, a blast that sent the Mets through to the next round. This connection with the field runs deeper still, as it was here that Alonso tied and surpassed the Mets' franchise home run record previously held by Mets legend Darryl Strawberry.
Alonso's relationship with Strawberry began with admiration and respect for the Mets legend. Over time, this developed into a personal connection, with Alonso describing it as "awesome." Strawberry, a "pillar" and "Mount Rushmore type player" for the Mets, has been a significant influence on Alonso's career.
When Alonso broke Strawberry's home run record, it was a celebrated milestone that emphasised the continuity between eras. Alonso even inscribed "Down Goes Straw!" on the record home run ball, a playful nod to Strawberry. Strawberry took this gesture in stride, showing goodwill rather than offense.
The impact of this relationship on Alonso's career seems profound. Being recognised by and having a personal connection with a franchise icon like Strawberry adds to Alonso's stature and motivation. It situates Alonso within Mets history and provides a tangible example of success within the organisation, which Alonso has acknowledged as meaningful to him amid the pressures of maintaining elite performance.
Alonso believes he could envision himself joining the 500-home run club before his career concludes. He considers his latest homerun at American Family Field, against Devin Williams in the 2020 National League wild-card series, as his second-favourite homerun at this venue. Another memorable homerun for Alonso at American Family Field was the three-run homer against Corbin Burnes.
Alonso believes 500 homers is a reasonable goal if he stays healthy and continues to perform. Strawberry, who has been a guest spring training instructor and club ambassador for the Mets, has undoubtedly played a part in Alonso's success. The latest homerun was not only a personal achievement for Alonso but also a significant one for Max Scherzer, as it helped him secure career victory No. 200.
As Alonso continues to make history with the Mets, it's clear that his relationship with Strawberry and the legacy he represents will continue to inspire him. With Alonso stating that he could stay healthy and perform until he is 40 years old, Mets fans can look forward to many more memorable moments from this homerun hero.
Despite Alonso's impressive playoff homerun at American Family Field in the 2020 National League wild-card series, his favorite homerun at the venue remains the one that helped the Mets clinch a wild-card berth two years prior, tying and surpassing the Mets' franchise home run record held by legendary player Darryl Strawberry. Strawberry, a significant influence on Alonso's career, has been a guest spring training instructor and club ambassador for the Mets, playing a part in Alonso's continued success in Major League Baseball.
